The Miami Dolphins Should Look to Manage Terron Armstead's Knee After Multiple Knee Injuries

Terron Armstead – SIC Score 90

Left tackle Terron Armstead missed a total of eight games for the New Orleans Saints in 2021 with elbow and knee injuries. He underwent surgery, likely to repair a cartilage tear in his knee that he played through last season. 

“I felt like I had to play with what I had going on, ultimately it got too bad to even walk,” Armstead told The Athletic in April. His elbow injury prevented him from using his left arm, forcing him to overcompensate and hurt his knee. 

Since becoming a starter in 2014 with the Saints, the pro-bowl left tackle has only played more than 13 games four times.  Now with the Miami Dolphins after signing a 5-year, $87.5 million contract this past season, Armstead looks for a fresh start without injuries. However, our panel of Pro Football Docs said last year’s knee injury poses potential long-term issues for the 31 year old. 

For that reason, the Docs give Armstead a 90 SIC Score for this upcoming season. 

Through his nine-year NFL career, the right tackle has had an extensive injury history, specifically a multitude of knee injuries. He has only appeared in 91 of 129 games. 

He has dealt with a torn hip flexor, torn labrum, torn pectoral, neck injury and quad and knee injuries. The most concerning for the 6-foot-5-inch, 300-pound right tackle are the knee injuries considering his size. 

Our team of Pro Football Docs said the other injuries, specifically his most recent elbow injury should be a non-issue. Yet, the Dolphins should look to manage Armstead’s knee. 

Armstead did not participate in the mandatory two-day mini-camp in June but expects to “hit the ground rolling” in training camp. 

His best season was in 2019 where he played in 15 games and one playoff game. He only missed one game because of a high-ankle sprain from Week 12. The Saints finished the year a 13-3 record before losing in the wild card round against the Minnesota Vikings. 

There is no doubt the offensive line is much weaker without Armstead on the field. Thus, he will be key to help revamp the Dolphins’ offensive line after being one of the worst last season in protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.