Dolphins' Armstead optimistic of Week 1 return after injuring knee in practice

Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead is hopeful that he'll be available for the team's season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 10.

Armstead injured his right leg on the first play of team drills during a joint practice on Thursday with the Houston Texans, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. The 6-foot-5, 304-pound offensive lineman was carted back to the locker room. He was seen walking around with the aid of crutches after the practice session.

The injury to the four-time Pro Bowler isn't believed to be serious, a source told Louis-Jacques. Armstead still needs further testing and evaluation to determine a recovery timetable.

Armstead offered his own account of what led to his injury on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Armstead signed a five-year, $75-million contract with the Dolphins last offseason. His tenure got off to a rocky start as he sustained a toe injury in Miami's season opener against the New England Patriots that plagued him throughout his 2022 campaign. Although he missed four games, the offensive stalwart earned the fourth Pro Bowl nod of his career after starting 13 contests.

The 32-year-old was placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin training camp following offseason knee surgery, but he was able to return to practice after missing the first week.

The veteran offensive tackle is entering his second season with the Dolphins after spending the first nine seasons of his career as a member of the New Orleans Saints.