DETROIT -- Miami Dolphins starting left tackle Branden Albert suffered a potentially serious right knee injury in Sunday's game against the Lions and was carted off the field.

Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert was carted off Sunday after suffering a knee injury vs. the Lions. Leon Halip/Getty Images

The Dolphins announced that Albert would not return prior to the start of the second half.

Albert was injured late in the second quarter during a running play. Dolphins teammates looked on with concern as the medical staff called for a cart to take Albert off the field.

Albert could not put on weight on his knee as he was being helped on the cart. Players from the Dolphins and Lions both offered handshakes and condolences before Albert was carted into the tunnel.

The Dolphins made Albert their biggest free-agent acquisition of the offseason, signing him to a $47 million contract to protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill's blindside. With Albert, Miami's pass protection has improved this season. The Dolphins allowed just 17 sacks in the first eight games.

The Lions defeated the Dolphins, 20-16.