Mike Pouncey set to return to starting lineup but where will he play?

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
Mike Pouncey, who has been sidelined since May, returned to practice a few weeks ago but has been limited in the various activities and drills. In their first practice after the bye weekend, Pouncey said that he took all of the reps with the first team and practiced without any limitations. However, he also did tell The Miami Herald that he took reps at both center and guard.

This raises the question as to whether or not he will be playing center or guard come Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Samson Satele, who was signed to replace him before the season started, has done a respectable job. Putting Pouncey at guard would definitely put the best five offensive lineman on the field with Branden Albert, Daryn Colledge, Satele, Pouncey and Ja’Wuan James. Pouncey doesn’t seem to be opposed to it either.

“Guard’s my position,” he told The Miami Herald. “I was kind of forced to play center when I got drafted. Guard’s been the position I’ve played my whole life. … Whatever position I’m playing, I’ll help the team. It’s coach [Joe] Philbin’s decision.”

Daryn Colledge, who is projected to stay on the line as left guard even when Pouncey returns, is excited about his return and says he brings so much to the team.

“A lot of energy, he’s got fresh legs right now he hasn’t had to play a single game. He’s excited to be back out there. You can see in the way he’s practicing, the way he’s working. He’s been in those meetings. I know he’s been itching to play. I think he’s looking for his opportunity to get out there and hit somebody.”

We’ll know more as the week progresses but it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see Pouncey at right guard on Sunday. In fact, I believe that’s what the Dolphins should do as it would make the offensive line so much better. 

---