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As ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported it, "The season hasn't even started yet and already the Miami Dolphins are dealing with injuries to players expected to play key offensive roles" One of the two -- Knowshon Moreno -- is of considerable interest to fantasy football owners.

The full rundown: Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey underwent hip surgery Monday and is expected to miss at least three months. Moreno will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery this week. He will miss four to five weeks, sources told Schefter.

According to Schefter, the Dolphins hope to have Moreno back in time for the start of the preseason, but Pouncey is expected to be sidelined for the start of the regular season.

Moreno worked sparingly during the team's mini-camp sessions last week, and now we have a much better understanding of whey. Moreno, who accounted for 1,586 total yards and 13 touchdowns as the Broncos' starter last season, had been hindered by the knee for a couple of weeks.

Head coach Joe Philbin had publicly acknowledged that Moreno's fitness probably needed some improvement. At least we now have a better explanation for showing up noticeably thick around the middle (according to those on hand for the sessions). Moreno's ongoing issue has created an opportunity for Lamar Miller, who has made the most of it.

"He's had a very good camp. ...This is the time as a third-year player that you're ready to make a big contribution," head coach Joe Philbin said of Miller.

But it's early. And as Miami Herald staffer Adam Beasley stressed, Moreno is still by far the most accomplished running back on the roster.

So the Dolphins are going to give him every opportunity to win the starting job - even if it's in name only. Beasley added that history suggests it will be a by-committee approach. Since Philbin took over as head coach in 2012, no Dolphin running back has had more than 227 carries, and none has cracked 1,000 yards.

Remember: New offensive coordinator Bill Lazor is coming over from the Eagles, who operate a run-heavy offense; fantasy football owners should expect the Dolphins' team rushing attempts to get a serious bump in 2014. The big question, however, remains unchanged: We still need to figure out how the carries will be divided.

Moreno's knee will add to the intrigue.

Stay tuned. We'll follow up as developments warrant.

Meanwhile, Pouncey tore the labrum in his hip sometime during the Dolphins' OTA sessions. His absence will shake up a Miami offensive line that was transformed this offseason. The 6-5, 305-pound Pouncey was the lone returning starter on the unit, the leader of the line and arguably Miami's best offensive player.

With Pouncey out, the Dolphins will be faced with a quandary at center. Undrafted free agent Sam Brenner is Pouncey's backup, though Miami also could opt to try another lineman at center. Former Rams guard Shelley Smith also can play center. But on opening weekend, Miami will have five new offensive line starters different from last season.