It looks like the Dolphins will get Mike Pouncey back on their offensive line for this week’s game against the Packers, but he may not be returning to center.
Pouncey, who has missed the first four games while recovering from hip surgery, said Monday that he split practice time between center and right guard. Pouncey played guard at Florida before taking over for his brother Maurkice at center in his final collegiate season and said he’s comfortable moving back to that spot if the team thinks that gets the five best offensive linemen on the field.
“Guard’s my position,” Pouncey said, via the Miami Herald. “I was kind of forced to play center when I got drafted. Guard’s been the position I’ve played my whole life. … Whatever position I’m playing, I’ll help the team. It’s coach [Joe] Philbin’s decision.”
Samson Satele has done a solid job filling in for Pouncey thus far this season while the Dolphins have turned to Dallas Thomas at right guard after losing Shelley Smith to a knee injury. Smith has resumed practicing, but Pouncey’s comfort level at guard may relegate him to backup duty.