Dolphins' Branden Albert returns to full practice Tuesday

Miami Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert was a full participant at practice Tuesday for the first time since suffering season-ending ACL and MCL tears in Week 10 last year.

While neither player nor team have indicated whether Albert is on track to be cleared by Week 1, practicing without limitations two weeks ahead of the opener is certainly a step in the right direction.

After a season in which the offensive line crumbled in his absence, Albert's presence on Ryan Tannehill's blindside is imperative to Miami's ability to make the most of its explosive skill-position talent.

Albert spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, before joining the Dolphins on a five-year, $47-million contract as a free agent last offseason.