Dolphins’ Keller out for season with knee injury

MIAMI — It’s the worst-case scenario for Dustin Keller: the Dolphins tight end is lost for the season —and possibly longer — to a catastrophic knee injury.

And a veteran replacement anywhere near his caliber doesn’t appear on the horizon.

An MRI indicated Keller tore three ligaments and potentially also suffered nerve damage —a potentially career-threatening injury — in Houston on Saturday night, The Miami Herald has learned. The team had not made a roster move as of Sunday afternoon, but it’s a formality that he will be put on a year-ending injured list.

Without Keller, the Dolphins have no real veteran presence at the position. While the team has drafted a tight end in each of the past three seasons, Dion Sims, Charles Clay and Michael Egnew have not yet established themselves as dependable deep-seam threats.

“We have other guys who have caught the ball down the middle,” Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said late Saturday. “We have some big targets. Egnew’s a big man. Dion Sims is a big man. Clay has caught the ball down the middle before. We’ll adjust.”

The Dolphins placed some preliminary calls for a potential replacement Sunday, but the feeling by many around the league is they will probably go largely with what they have at the position.

If they do go the free agent route, possibilities include Travis Beckum, Daniel Graham, Todd Heap and David Thomas. Former Giants tight end Kevin Boss has not been cleared medically after sustaining a concussion last year, and Beckum is still a couple of weeks from being healthy enough to play.

But more likely, it will fall on Egnew, Clay and Sims to step up.

“There is going to be a lot of pressure,” Egnew said. “There’s always a lot of pressure. Fortunately, we’re coached well. I think we can naturally fall right into it.”

Added Clay: “It’s something I’ve been working real hard at and getting better at. If my number is called, then I have no choice but be ready.”

But Saturday night’s 24-17 loss to Houston illustrated just how steep the drop-off is from Keller, who when healthy is a top-15 tight end.

Egnew had one catch for 14 yards. Clay and Sims didn’t touch the ball all night. Making matters worse, all three were flagged for penalties in the game’s first 18 minutes.

Sims has shown encouraging signs this summer, but he’s still a raw rookie. The Dolphins have a pretty good idea of what Clay can do; he’s now in his third season.

But neither has the draft pedigree of Egnew, a third-round pick from 2012 who was named by Philbin as one of the team’s most improved players during training camp.

Keller was injured while trying to catch a pass in the flat. Texans rookie D.J. Swearinger hit him in the knee with his helmet, a legal play that ignited a national conversation Sunday. Swearinger told reporters after the game he went low because if he had hit Keller high, he would have risked a fine.

“They made several adjustments to cut blocks,” offensive tackle Tyson Clabo said. “In my opinion, this is a similar situation. If they can protect defenders from low blocks, they should protect offensive player from that type of hit.”

Added former University of Miami tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. on Twitter: “The NFL needs to protect defenseless receivers from low hits. To me that is way more important than helmet to helmet.”

For the most part, however, Dolphins players used social media Sunday to wish Keller well. He has become a well-liked teammate in his short time in Miami, and some believe he will be as big of a loss in the locker room as on the playing field.

“My thoughts and prayers are with @DUSTINKELLER81 today,” wrote guard Richie Incognito. “Great teammate and great ball player. I hope he has a speedy recovery.”

“Josh Samuda, who has surrendered sacks in each of the last two games as the Dolphins’ starting right guard, lashed out at critics of his play on Twitter early Sunday morning. Samuda later deleted the tweets.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.