The Miami Dolphins held tryouts for five offensive linemen following a lower-body injury that has sidelined starter Austin Jackson. The team is optimistic that Jackson will be ready to play in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on September 7.
During the tryouts, the Dolphins evaluated several veterans: Chris Hubbard, Germain Ifedi, and David Sharpe, along with Yodny Cajuste and Zack Bailey. While the Dolphins have a starting offensive line in place, the inconsistency in training camp due to injuries has posed challenges, and the backups have yet to secure their spots.
Hubbard, 34, has a wealth of experience, having played in 102 games over his career with four different teams, including a five-year tenure in Cleveland and four years in Pittsburgh, during which he started 61 games. Ifedi, 31, was drafted by Seattle in the first round in 2016 and has participated in 117 games with 90 starts, primarily with the Seahawks. Sharpe, 29, a former fourth-round pick by the Raiders, has played in 45 games with six starts. Cajuste, also 29, is a local Miami product who played for the New England Patriots and has started five of the 17 games he participated in. Bailey, 29, has had brief stints with the Chargers and Jets, appearing in one game each.
The Dolphins are taking proactive steps to address their offensive line needs, demonstrating their commitment to fielding a competitive team as the season approaches. This depth in tryout candidates showcases the team’s effort to ensure they have sufficient support for Jackson and the continued development of their line.