Miami Dolphins: Jared Odrick Out Indefinitely With Broken Foot

Out since the regular season opener with a fractured fibula, Miami Dolphins' rookie first-round pick and defensive end Jared Odrick is "out a while" with a broken foot suffered in his return to the practice field this week, according to head coach Tony Sparano.

Despite earlier reports that Odrick had re-injured his broken right leg, and later reports that said it was the left leg that was broken, Sparano revealed today that Odrick actually suffered a broken bone in his left foot.

The injury apparently occurred toward the end of Wednesday's practice, where Odrick was working on a limited basis as he neared his his recovery from the fractured fibula.

Reports have Odrick likely to be placed on injured reserve in the near future, though Sparano says the team has yet to make a decision on that yet and no roster moves have been made.


Analysis

There really isn't much new to analyze here, because this just puts the Dolphins in the same position they've been in over the past four-and-a-half games.

It's a disappointing turn of events for the promising first-round pick, but the Dolphins have some solid backups to play alongside quality starters Kendall Langford and Randy Starks.

Paul Soliai will continue to get plenty of reps at nose tackle, as always, and Tony McDaniel will play extensively at both tackle and end. Ryan Baker should continue to rotate in as well.

Rookie Rob Rose could also see some playing time if he's impressed enough, and practice-squadders Chris Baker and Clifton Geathers will also vie for playing time.
 
The Dolphins have the eighth-best run defense in the NFL through six weeks this season and should be able to sustain a strong unit despite Odrick's continued absence.

Odrick will hopefully return healthy next year, while the Dolphins should also get Phillip Merling (Achilles') back too if they choose to keep him around.


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Chris J. Nelson majored in journalism at Georgia State University and is currently a programming coordinator for Turner Sports in Atlanta. He operates his own Miami Dolphins website, The Miami Dolphins Spotlight, and he can be followed on Twitter here.