Miami Dolphins Center Mike Pouncey returns to practice on Tuesday

For the first time since August, Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey practiced with the team. The former three-time Pro Bowler injured his hip in the Dolphins second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Pouncey said it has been extremely tough for him to be on the sideline during the Dolphins 1-3 start to the season.

“Seeing the guys you’ve been working with the whole offseason go out there and accomplish a goal – and that’s to be ready for a season – and to miss games, it was very tough on me,” Pouncey said. “I definitely didn’t see this coming, but I’m glad to be back. It’s definitely a blessing. (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase has been awesome the whole time, trying to keep me as patient as possible to come back to the practice field.”

While Pouncey has been sidelined with his hip injury, Anthony Steen filled in at center for the rest of the Dolphins preseason games and the team’s first three regular-season games. After Steen suffered an ankle injury against the Browns, Kraig Urbik started at center against the Bengals last Thursday.

Miami ranks 29^th in rushing offense, so possibly getting Pouncey back will help the team’s running game.

“It’s huge,” said Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill. “He’s a heck of a football player and a leader on this team. It’s really nice to have him back on the field with us.”

It is not known yet if Pouncey will play in his first regular season game in 2016 against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. If Pouncey can practice with the team fully, it is likely he would play.

Pouncey said the final decision to play would be up to Dolphins head coach Adam Gase.

“I want to see how practice goes this week,” Pouncey said. “Honestly, it’s up to (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase whether I play or not. But I’m looking forward to showing them what I can do out there this week at practice.”

This was the third hip injury Pouncey has had during his career. In June of 2014, Pouncey had surgery to repair a nagging hip and that sidelined him for the Dolphins first few regular season games of that season.

With his history of hip injuries, Pouncey said he worried about his career long-term.

Sitting there talking to the doctors, all the ‘What ifs?’ came into play,” Pouncey said. “If this would’ve happened or that would’ve happened, you start questioning how long you can play in this league and how physical this game is. I’m very fortunate to be back as fast as I am right now. When I first injured this hip, there was a lot of doubt in my mind (about), ‘Would I ever come back and be the same player?’ I guess we’ll see today.”

Practice report

Dolphins running back Arian Foster, left tackle Branden Albert, linebacker Jelani Jenkins tight end Jordan Cameron and center/guard Anthony Steen did not practice on Tuesday.

Foster has been trying to recover from a groin/hamstring injury that he suffered in their Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots. He did not play in the Dolphins last two games against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Gase said Albert missed practice on Tuesday because he was sick and the Dolphins sent Albert home to rest. Albert missed last week’s game against the Bengals because of an ankle injury.

Jenkins has been injured throughout the season as he had knee surgery in August. Last week, he missed the Bengals game with a groin injury.

Cameron is still in the concussion protocol as he was knocked out of the Browns game two weeks ago. Steen, who was starting in place of Pouncey, missed last Thursday’s game against the Bengals with an ankle injury.

Twitter: @antwanstaley