Justin Smiley’s shoulder injury could be a blow for struggling offensive line

DAVIE – The Dolphins sent starting left guard Justin Smiley to see a shoulder specialist Thursday, coach Tony Sparano confirmed. It’s a troubling sign for a player with a history of problems with his right shoulder, including season-ending surgery in 2007 in San Francisco and another minor procedure last January. But an NFL source said Smiley’s shoulder issue doesn’t seem like it will be a long-term issue. Smiley, 27, has started every game this season, but missed his second straight practice this week leading up to Sunday’s visit from Tampa Bay. Smiley, one of the league’s top pulling guards, would be a big loss for a struggling offensive line. Smiley, a sixth-year pro, had played as well as any Dolphins’ best offensive linemen this season, if not better. Sparano, a former offensive line coach, is not happy with the unit’s recent play. “I want to see less sacks. I want to see less minus plays. I want to see more of us on the other side of the line of scrimmage,” he said. “I want to see us finish blocks, do some of these things that are necessary for us to win,

and that is something they can do. “I told you before, I believe a line, a good line, can take over a game, can be the personality of a team, and that’s what I would like to see out of that group.” Sparano said if Smiley couldn’t play against the 1-7 Buccaneers a few players could step in to replace him. Offensive linemen Nate Garner lined up with the first-team offense Thursday. Garner has handled some snaps at right guard this season. On Wednesday, offensive tackle Lydon Murtha, signed Oct. 20 off the Detroit Lions practice squad, lined up in Smiley’s spot. Rookie offensive tackle Andrew Gardner also has been working at guard, Sparano said. If Smiley cannot play Sunday, it would be the third straight season he has not played all 16 after starting all 32 games in 2005-06 with the 49ers. Smiley broke his right leg last Nov. 30 at St. Louis and missed the rest of the season. The previous week against New England, Smiley sat out eight snaps because of shoulder soreness.

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Justin Smiley’s shoulder injury could be a blow for struggling offensive line

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