The latest Terron Armstead injury update is (kind of) good news for the Miami Dolphins as they prepare for their Week 1 game vs. the Los Angeles Chargers. The team’s left tackle, who’s been out since suffering an ankle injury in mid-August, isn’t cleared to play yet, but he’s also not out. So, head coach Mike McDaniel has a big decision to make soon.

“Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel says LT Terron Armstead will work out today so they can make decision Sunday vs. LAC,” the NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported Friday. “Armstead's expectation remains to play Week 1 if it's up to him. Armstead has been out for 3 weeks. McDaniel said, ‘it's my job to protect players from themselves.’”

This is obviously a huge deal for Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins, who need their left tackle, who signed a five-year, $75 million deal last offseason. And Armstead will be especially important in the Dolphins Week 1 matchup with the Chargers, as LA boasts two of the best pass rushers in the league with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

If the Dolphins can’t keep Bosa and Mack off of Tua Tagovailoa, it could be a long game on Sunday and an even longer season. After the QB’s multiple concussions last season, protecting his blindside is even more important in this campaign.

If the next Terron Armstead injury update has him out for the Dolphins’ Week 1 affair, the left tackle duties will likely fall to veteran Kendall Lamm, who’s only started 29 games in his 87-game pro career.