Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long had trouble blocking Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers with one arm during Thursday night's 16-0 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Long couldn't punch with his left arm because of a dislocated shoulder he suffered against the Titans. As a result, Peppers went wide on him most of the game and recorded a season-high three sacks.
According to a team source, Long's performance was so troubling the Dolphins have debated shutting down the 2008 No. 1 pick for the season. Long will require surgery to fix his labrum, and it'll keep him from practicing and lifting weights for at least four months.
Another source says Long is insistent he can play at a high level, and wants to finish out the season. He'll likely be given an opportunity to prove he can do so in the Nov. 28 road game against Oakland, where the shoulder will have 10 days of rest between games.
However, another performance such as the Chicago game and Lydon Murtha will become the starting left tackle. Murtha replaced Long for a few snaps in the final quarter.
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