We knew the Dolphins were saying goodbye to quarterback David Garrard on Tuesday.
We didn’t know that starting right guard Artis Hicks, signed away from Cleveland this offseason, would also be knocked off the active roster. The Dolphins announced Garrard’s release on Tuesday afternoon and added word that Hicks will be placed on injured reserve with a neck injury. It’s the old school injured reserve, which means that Hicks will not return this season.
It also means that the Dolphins might be up the proverbial creek without a paddle at left tackle for the season opener. John Jerry, who would be the likeliest successor for Hicks at right guard, is also dealing with injuries and might not be able to go on Sunday. On top of that, left tackle Jake Long is dealing with a sprained MCL.
Long is expected to play, but you’d like to be a little better stocked in reserve in case something goes pear-shaped before or during the game. The team brought back Ray Feinga, cut when rosters went to 53 men last week, but it’s safe to say that things are mighty thin up front on offense in Miami.
With Hicks done for the season, the Dolphins are now without the services of seven free agents -- Garrard, linebacker Jamaal Westerman, linebacker Gary Guyton, wide receiver Chad Johnson, guard Eric Steinbach and safety Tyrell Johnson are the others -- they signed this offseason. Wide receiver Legedu Naanee and cornerback Richard Marshall are still on the roster. The Dolphins hope Ryan Tannehill’s accuracy is a bit higher than that.