Lockout allows Vernon Carey to heal

NEW ORLEANS— If NFL players weren't locked out and the Miami Dolphins had begun the team's offseason training program coach Tony Sparano said it's doubtful he'd have the services of the two starting tackles.

Left tackle Jake Long and right tackle Vernon Carey were nursing a handful of injuries in 2010 and both had surgery when the season was over.

Sparano pointed out both tackles, who have started the past three seasons, will likely be healthy enough to practice by training camp, if the lockout ends.

NFL players must conduct their rehab without the assistance of team doctors and trainers, which means Long and Carey are on their own at this point.

Sparano said the rehab goal was to have Long and Carey ready for "gametime."

Sparano did express concern about the fact Carey, who played at a weight that was generously listed at 340 pounds, can't work on his conditioning because of his knee problems. That inactivity might lead to weight gain.

Carey, a former University of Miami standout who has started 92 of the 106 games he's played for the Dolphins, has a weight clause included in his contract.

He's due a base salary of $4.15 million in 2011, but considering the six-year, $42 million deal he signed in 2009 escalates over the next four seasons, it's possible the 29-year-old could become a cap casualty if a salary cap returns in 2011.

Tackle is one of the deep positions in the 2011 draft, and the Dolphins tendered veteran backup Nate Garner last month, ensuring he returns. Lydon Murtha, Matt Kopa, Allen Barbre are the other tackles on the roster.

But it sounds as if Sparano and General Manager Jeff Ireland have Carey in their plans for next season. Sparano even ruled out the possibility Carey would be moved to guard, a position he played early in his Dolphins career, and while at UM.

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(orlandosentinel.com)