Jason Fox says he's ready to start if needed

It’s too early to say whether Miami Dolphins starting left tackle Branden Albert will be ready by Week 1 of the regular season. Albert suffered a torn ACL last November and is about four months into his rehab.

But if Albert, a former Pro Bowler, isn’t ready to return in September, backup offensive tackle Jason Fox says he’s ready and willing to fill that position. Fox signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract with Miami on Thursday and will serve as insurance. Fox started the final two games at right tackle for the Dolphins last season.

“Obviously, Branden is a great player, he’s one of the best tackles in the NFL,” Fox said. “If he’s not ready to go, I’ll be ready. Whatever role these coaches want to put me in, like I’ve always said, I’m here for the team.”

Fox joined the Dolphins last year after spending his first four seasons with the Detroit Lions. He waited patiently for his chance -- Fox was inactive in seven of the first nine games -- before earning two starts in Weeks 16 and 17 due to multiple injuries on the line. He has the capability to play left tackle and right tackle, which increased his value to Miami.

Fox said he expects the offensive line to improve in 2015.

“This is a very talented group, from the older guys to the younger guys,” Fox said. “Not all offensive lines have that and we’ve got good offensive line coaches. Honestly, the second year is just going to be an improvement on the first.”


(espn.com)