Mike Pouncey not expected to miss much time after visiting hip specialist

Pouncey experienced discomfort in his hip during practice this week

Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey's balky hip is acting up again. Pouncey missed the first four games of this season due to hip issues, but played in the last five. He felt hip discomfort again this week, and it forced him to leave Wednesday's practice early.

He did not practice Thursday or Friday and was listed as doubtful on Miami's final injury report.

According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, Pouncey visited a specialist this week to get his hip looked at. While the center is not expected to play this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, the issue is not expected to keep him out much longer than that.

Very encouraging signs for Dolphins stud C Mike Pouncey after visiting hip specialist. Out Sun but shouldn't be much longer than that

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) November 19, 2016

Anthony Steen, who started three games at center earlier this season, is likely to get the start. It will be interesting to see how the absence of Pouncey affects the Dolphins' running game, which has taken off over the last few weeks with Jay Ajayi working as the focal point. Pouncey is the centerpiece of an improving offensive line, while the Rams have one of the NFL's strongest defensive fronts.