49ers vs. Dolphins: LT Jake Long likely to miss game, rest of season

While there is plenty to break down from the 49ers 16-13 overtime loss to the Rams, there is also news to consider for the Week 14 matchup with the Miami Dolphins. The 49ers welcome the Dolphins to town and Miami could be without their starting left tackle. Jake Long, their first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, reportedly tore his triceps muscle in the Dolphins loss to the Patriots.

Long left the game with the injury and was replaced at left tackle by current right tackle Jonathan Martin, their second round pick this past year. Nate Garner replaced Martin at right tackle, and according to The Phinsider, it was not a pretty picture.

As I understand it, Long has struggled with Miami's blocking scheme this year, and is not playing at the level he has in the past. He has made four straight Pro Bowls since entering the league, but this season he has apparently struggled to a certain extent.

I haven't paid much attention to the Dolphins, so I'd recommend checking out the Phinsider article linked above. As I understand it, while Long has struggled, the situation deteriorated with the inclusion of Garner in the lineup. Martin and Garner will get this week to get used to their new roles, but it would certainly seem to be a benefit for the 49ers defense. Of course, that also depends on how the 49ers game-plan their pass rush. The rush was fairly limited against the Rams, but the defense did handle their business for the most part.