Over the course of 18 weeks, injuries impact every NFL team, including the Miami Dolphins. On Saturday, following their preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, the Dolphins’ offensive line faced a setback when left guard Kion Smith left the game with a lower leg injury. Tests conducted less than 24 hours later confirmed that Smith has torn his ACL, ending his 2024 season.

Smith, who made the 53-man roster last season after two years of bouncing between the practice squad and the bench, was injured when his knee collided with the helmet of fellow offensive lineman Ryan Hayes. The injury occurred as both players were trying to protect quarterback Skylar Thompson on a third-and-ten play.

Miami Dolphins OL Kion Smith: Out For Remainder of 2024 Season

After leaving Friday’s game with a knee injury, tests have confirmed that offensive lineman Kion Smith will miss the entire season due to a torn ACL. Smith, who played as left guard during the team’s preseason opener, was being cross-trained at the position while the Dolphins started second-round pick Patrick Paul at left tackle. Smith, a longtime tackle, had the opportunity to gain more playing time in his new role.

Smith’s injury adds to the challenges facing the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line, which also lost center Aaron Brewer to a hand injury earlier in the week. With Brewer out, starting left guard Liam Eichenberg moved to center, and Smith stepped in at guard. Smith, an undrafted free agent in 2021 who played at Fayetteville State, joined the Dolphins after being cut by the Atlanta Falcons before his rookie year. Over the past four years with Miami, the 25-year-old made nine appearances for the team last season.

Dolphins: Offensive Line Depth Chart

Following his torn ACL, offensive lineman Kion Smith becomes the first significant long-term injury for the Miami Dolphins this offseason. On the offensive line, starting guard Isaiah Wynn is on the active/PUP list as he recovers from a season-ending quad injury from last year. Starter center Aaron Brewer is dealing with a hand injury from last week, but it is not deemed serious. In Smith’s absence, Sean Harlow filled in at left guard during Friday’s preseason opener. Harlow, a fourth-round pick from 2017, joined Miami after playing with the New York Giants last season.

The Dolphins expect Terron Armstead, Robert Jones, and Austin Jackson to start on the offensive line this fall, alongside Brewer and Wynn. Armstead is in the third year of his five-year, $75 million contract, while Jackson signed a three-year, $36 million extension this offseason.