If D.J. Fluker hopes to see the field this season, his debut won’t come until at least early October. The free agent offensive lineman has been suspended for the first six weeks of the season, reports ESPN’s Field Yates.
This development doesn’t necessarily doom Fluker’s chances of catching on with a team. After all, he was already expected to miss at least a month while recovering from recent meniscus surgery, although it’s a bit telling that the Dolphins weren’t willing to keep him around while he got healthy.
After inking a one-year deal with the Dolphins during the offseason, Fluker was expected to provide the team with a veteran presence on their offensive line. However, he was placed on IR before the conclusion of the preseason, assuring he wouldn’t play for Miami in 2021. The team released him with an injury settlement shortly thereafter, allowing him to sign elsewhere.
Fluker, 30, spent last season with the Ravens, starting eight games. Prior to that, Fluker spent two years as a Seahawks starter. He previously played with the Chargers, who chose him in the 2013 first round, and the Giants.
His latest injury and suspension (coupled with reports about his underwhelming conditioning) certainly don’t bode well for the 30-year-old. However, with 96 career regular season starts on his resume, the offensive lineman will likely find another gig once he’s healthy.
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