Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey has a small fracture in his left hip, according to a report by ESPN.
Pouncey will undergo a CT-scan later this week, which will determine the severity of the injury and a timetable for his return. The center is already sitting out Miami's season opener on Sunday and could potentially miss a couple of more weeks as well.
The 27-year old was named as a team captain recently for the 2016 season and is a big part of the Miami offense. Pouncey has gone to the Pro Bowl and has been a consistent and dependable center for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Without Pouncey, Miami will need Anthony Steen to step-up and keep the game moving. The biggest question mark will be Steen's ability to find a good rhythm with Tannehill and the rest of the offense.
Pouncey injured his hip in the second week of the preseason and Steen has never started in an NFL game. With a revamped and questionable offensive line, Miami will undoubtedly notice Pouncey's absence. Combined with a loud and tough environment in Seattle, an inexperienced center could mean Miami has some false start and delay of game penalties in its first game.
Last April, Pouncey signed a long-term deal with Miami and remains a big part of the team's future. As long as the hip injury remains relatively minor, Pouncey should still have a large presence this year. Pouncey also underwent surgery on his right hip during the off-season, so the Dolphins will likely play it safe with the center and not rush him back.
Miam's season will get underway on Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
