Liam Eichenberg continues to shuffle along the offensive line

They say the best ability is availability and Liam Eichenberg continues to show up for the Miami Dolphins.

The Miami Dolphins ranked fourth last season with an average of 1.8 sacks allowed per game and was a top rushing unit with 132 yards per game on the ground. Despite success, combined with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s quick release, Miami’s offensive line continues to be a topic of conversation. The best ability remains availability considering nine linemen played at least 35 percent of the team’s offensive snaps last season.

Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson are set to return at tackle and Isaiah Wynn will push for the starting left guard spot after re-signing with Miami in March. The Dolphins added former Tennessee Titans center Aaron Brewer on a three-year deal, so Liam Eichenberg hopes to slide in at right guard.

“I mean honestly, anything on the inside,” Eichenberg said when asked what position he’s most comfortable at. “Haven’t done tackle in a couple years, but getting kicked over center not expecting to the first day, I was like, ‘It’s fine.’ I know the offense; I know how to run the offense. I know how to point everything. Just kind of going to be out there eventually, hopefully at guard, and kind of help Brewer out as he learns this offense, too.”

Eichenberg, 26, played 592 snaps at center last season with another 146 at right guard and 77 at left guard. He allowed four sacks while playing 625 snaps at left guard in 2022 and nine sacks as a rookie left tackle in 2021.

“I’m going to play wherever they need me to play,” Eichenberg said. “I’m excited to be out there. I’m excited to be healthy right now. End of the year last year, I was kind of banged up pretty good, so it’s nice being able to run without some pain. I’m at center right now. I’m working to be the best center for this team right now. Obviously when Brewer gets back, I’m going to start working at guard.”

A starting spot opened for Eichenberg at right guard when Robert Hunt signed a $100 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. He began 2023 as a backup but finished the season with 12 starts due to injuries throughout the roster. Speaking of injuries, Eichenberg battled calf and ankle issues and was one of five offensive linemen listed on Miami’s Week 18 injury report.

Eichenberg emerged as a key piece and trailed only Austin Jackson for most snaps played by Dolphins offensive linemen last season. Entering his fourth season — a contract year — Eichenberg welcomes the continuity of playing in Mike McDaniel’s offense and working with offensive line coach Butch Barry.

“I like the repetitiveness and improving on what I know I have in practice,” Eichenberg said. “Get out there, stance and start – every day I’m trying to work on that. I think for us personally, it’s kind of that repetitive nature where even though we’re doing things over and over again, that’s the offensive line position.

“There’s always something to improve on. It’s great having Butch back and I’m lucky to be here. We’re just working to improve every day.