David Garrard Injury Increases Chances For Moore, Tannehill

Published: 10^th Aug 12 5:52 pm

by Jeff Everette
jeffeverette

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Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The Miami Dolphins will take the field tonight against the Tama Bay Buccaneers without David Garrard under center.

The veteran quartback had been penciled in this week as the Dolphins starter, but has been having issues with his left kneee and will now undergo arthroscopic knee surgery, effectively sidelining him for the next few weeks.

This new development changes the landscape of QB battle going on in South Beach, pushing Matt Moore, and elevating rookie Ryan Tannehill to the number two position.

Despite the rumors that either Moore or Garrard would be cut, depending on who won the starting gig, chances are Garrard will be kept around. He has clearly been the best option for the Dolphins up to this point in camp, and they are not going to release him due to a pesky knee.

This does leave the door wide open for the other competitors at that position, though.

Matt Moore was named team MVP just last season, and has shown the ability to lead the team in real game situations. The extra snaps he will get with Garrard sidlined could be all he needs to make up for his average performance on the practice field.

The biggest winner in this situation will likely be Tannehill. The young rookie missed the first few days of training camp due to contract negotiations, and as the heir to the throne, he is itching to get his era underway. He has shown a great amount of poise since joining his teammates, and the live action will give him a chance to prove that he is ready to start for his team.

How long Garrrard will be out is unknown at this point, and every snap he misses will cost him. Hopefully he can return in minimal time and get back into the hunt for the Dolphins lead man.

Jeff Everette is a featured columnist for www.RantSports.com, covering the NFL and NBA. You can follow him on twitter @jeverettesports, or subscribe to Jeff Everette-www.RantSports.com on both Facebook and Google+ for all of his latest articles, opinions, and rants.