Dolphins starting guard Smiley remains sidelined with shoulder injury

The Miami Dolphins starting guard Justin Smiley was sitting out for a second consecutive day with his shoulder injury. In fact he was sent to a doctor and would unlikely be able to play this week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.


Having started all eight games for the Dolphins this season, Smiley could not keep the streak for the second half of the season. Not the first time did he have such experience. In 2007 season, he missed a whole half of season because of shoulder problems while he was playing in the San Francisco 49ers jersey.

According to Dolphins Coach Tony Sparano, the team has been ready for Smiley’s absence. And Joe Berger, Nate Garner and rookie Lydon Murtha are preparing for starting at left guard in case Smiley will not play.

Along with Smiley, three other injured Dolphins were sitting out for the second straight practice Thursday. Outside linebacker Joey Porter was still struggling with a hamstring injury, nose tackle Paul Soliai had ankle problem and special team contributor Erik Walden had hamstring injury.