Mike Pouncey missed Monday's practice because he was having his surgically repaired hip re-evaluated by specialists.
According to league sources Pouncey was in New York hoping to receive the medical clearance he needs to begin practicing with his teammates. The outcome of his evaluation wasn't known, but sources say they were "favorable."
The Dolphins' medical staff must go over Pouncey's evaluation and plot a course for his return to the field in the coming weeks. The recommendation they give General Manager Dennis Hickey is critical because it could determine when Pouncey, a 2014 Pro Bowl selection, will be available for the season.
Hickey must formulate the Dolphins' 53-man roster by 4 p.m. on Saturday, and that's when he must take one of three routes with Pouncey, who has started 46 games for the Dolphins since becoming Miami's 2011 first-round pick.
The Dolphins could place Pouncey on injured reserve and designate him as the one player who can return to the active roster. Each NFL team gets to give one player that status per season, and they are allowed to return after six weeks. But Hickey will likely save that spot for an injury that takes place during the season.
The Dolphins could leave Pouncey on the Physically Unable to Perform list for the season's first week, which would allow the Dolphins to preserve a spot on the team's 53-man roster. Problem with that designation is Pouncey wouldn't be available to play until Oct. 19, the Week 7 game against the Chicago Bears because of the NFL's rules.