The Sports Xchange

DAVIE, Fla. – The prospects for the Miami Dolphins on the offensive line got a lot better Wednesday when it was revealed that Branden Albert will start at left tackle in Sunday’s season opener at Washington.

A Pro-Bowl selection in 2013, Albert broke the news first Wednesday in the locker room, and head coach Joe Philbin later confirmed it. Albert, who tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee in November, is among Miami’s best players, regardless of position, and should help the offensive line greatly.

It was unknown prior to Wednesday whether a knee injury would keep him from playing against the Redskins.

The news on Albert wasn’t the only change on the line. Right guard Jamil Douglas will start the opener at Washington, which is somewhat of a surprise considering Billy Turner held that job for almost all of training camp and preseason.

Douglas, the rookie fourth-round pick from Arizona State, spent a lot of time with the first team in the preseason finale against Tampa Bay and that performance, coupled with a few penalties by Turner in the preseason, might have sealed the deal.

Notes: Cornerback Brice McCain will start on the right side, opposite Brent Grimes, in the opener at Washington. McCain, who is likely to move to the slot in the nickel package, was battling Jamar Taylor for the starting job but it appeared Taylor had locked it up until sustaining a thigh injury late in preseason. Taylor was limited in Wednesday’s practice. his role remains unclear because he won’t start in the regular defense. There’s a good chance Taylor plays boundary cornerback in the nickel defense with Brice McCain moving inside to the slot.

Left tackle Jason Fox (concussion) didn’t practice Wednesday, meaning he’s practiced once in the last two weeks. Fox was the starter for most of training camp and preseason while Albert recovered from his knee injury. … Wide receiver DeVante Parker (foot) had full participation in Wednesday’s practice and seems ready to play in Sunday’s opener. Parker, the first-round pick from Louisville, missed all of training camp and preseason except for the finale against Tampa Bay recovering from offseason surgery. Wide receiver Kenny Stills, who missed most of training camp and preseason with a calf injury, will start in Sunday’s opener at Washington ahead of Rishard Matthews, who seemed to have an outstanding training camp and preseason.