Latest Rash Of Injuries Create Lots Of New Problems
The injuries seem to be never ending
Next man up is the only solution to injuries
The latest wave of injuries for the Miami Dolphins is here: Tony Lippett is done for the 2017 Season with a torn ACL, Offensive Linemen Kraig Urbik has missed his second practice with a back injury, and Kenyan Drake has had a concussion.
That’s a tough swallow considering it happened in the span of just two days of light-contact practice… and that’s without even considering the massive list of other injured players.
So beyond the obvious loss of the players on the field, what’s the consequences of these three injuries going forward?
The injuries to Lippett could extend into 2018
Lippett’s injury brings several problems:
- Miami is now thinner in it’s front-line talent at one of the few positions they were considered deep at.
- Lippett, who is still developing, will go into the final year of his contract coming off a serious injury.
- Byron Maxwell who may have been expendable via trade or release next year suddenly becomes a guy who you now might need to hold onto for 2018… which will be tough in a tight cap.
- Beyond the talent loss, even the preferred prototype of tall receivers to play press is now thin, and only the raw Tankersley is left in reserve that fits the mold.
- This puts more pressure on Alterraun Verner, Cordrea Tankersley to play larger roles this year than expected, also either / both Torry McTyer and Lafayette Pitts need to be able to contribute quality snaps this season.
The extent of Urbik’s injury is unreported, but it could even be just an extended rest before the Preseason Game. But on the flip side, bad backs and Offensive Line are never, ever a good thing. The issues stemming from this injury are probably only short term:
- Given that Anthony Steen and Jake Brendel both play Guards and Center, this leaves the position very thin in the Preseason Game against the Ravens, especilly because Pouncey is the mend. This could lead to some overuse of other player and end up contributing to more injuries.
- Continuity takes a small step back. The terrible line play over the last two practices says it all.
- Back injuries are notoriously fickle and could turn into a reoccurring problem
Thankfully, Drake’s injuries are are no longer swept under the rug in the NFL
Drake’s concussion is another serious concern as he had the ‘injury prone’ label coming out of college. Two out of the three top RB’s on the roster have become concussed not from a game time, but from thuds in practice. These concussion increase the likelihood of another one down the road, and raises legitimate concerns about the cores durability:
- Drake will miss this Preseason Game and probably the next as well.
- A fourth quality RB is now a must, although Storm Johnson appears to fill that role.
While it’s not the end of the world because the latest season-ending injury hit one of the deepest squads, and the other two are likely only short-term issues. But each of these issues adds another layer of uncertainty for the staff to plan around. And since continuity is as crucial as talent, both are being lost in these endless waves of injuries.
The good side–if there is one–is that it’s still weeks away from the Opening Day. Also, with all cuts happening at once this year, there will be plenty of players who can fill any voids… but, can Miami afford to sign them now with the big payout to Cutler?
It’s a 100% guaranteed winning bet with any pay per head services that none of the opposing teams are shedding a tear over Miami injuries. And since only brilliance can make this season a success, I’m positive Gase isn’t crying either and instead is working around the clock to get 2017 headed in the right direction. Go Fins!!!
…good to see rah rah boom de ay back 🙂
Been a long summer, and tonight puts us 3 weeks away from regular season.
The injuries have been disappointing to say the least….
Lets start w Tany, for me this is a wash, Cutler will erform as well or better than the Tanny we have seen thus far. Even though I thought Tanny was going to really have an eye opening year. Now, his career in Miami could be in question??? So even though this was a huge injury hit, Cutler washes that out.
Thee one I feel the most for is the 20 year old McMillan. He stepped right in from day 1 and took the “Mike” spot, and word was he was as cool as a cucumber. Very disappointing for not only the player/person, but the Miami defense as they desperately needed a young stud LBer. In steps Hull, who I think will do a decent job as the “Mike”, but he may not be that game changing player that McMillan was going to provide.
Almost as disappointing, is Lippett. What a bummer for a kid that was coming into his own, and on a contract year as well. Just terrible. Though it may help Miami in retaining him financially. Though such a bad injury, Miami has it covered with Verner. Not only is Verner about to take the starting slot corner away from McCain, he had positioned himself to be the next man up at either outside or inside corner positions.
As far as the guard position, just say our prayers. I don’t know what to think, I just know what I hope. A little bit of luck here please (football Gods).
I can feel a trade coming soon for a guard and/or LBer, preferably a good guard.After all, we only have about 7 GOOD WRs. I never hope for injury, but if a team loses (other than the Pats) one of their starting WRs in the next few weeks, would create a good opportunity.
There is no way you can be down on this draft class. Harris is going to be fine, didn’t need him to step in as a starter any ways. McMillan is just a bummer. Tankersly will develop, again didn’t need him to start any ways. We landed 2 DTs that will make the roster and one is probably going to start and Godchaux will complement Suh perfectly (no stop motor with explosion and power).
Lets here it as the season begins for me!!! Ya Ya Ya 🙂 🙂
Hey, taking my kids to the park right now… but wanted to say great to have you back. I’ll give a better response later, but was so happy to hear your back… need some positive mojo–been a rough couple of weeks of camp.
Got caught up with the kids and then before I knew it, it was game time:
I agree on all of your points except the trade for OL.
I have put alot of time watching Jesse and Smith, and both appear to be good finds and at least solid… if not more. Both will make the team.
Young is decent at LT with a strength in Pass prot. at RT he get exposed and seems far less comfortable at RT. Last night highlighted that. Smith played well and look far bigger and stronger than I thought he’d be as a Rook. I like him. Jesse on the other hand has only made 2-3 mistakes in 2 games. Dude is real big and was able to out muscle and powerful Ravens front on a few plays. He looks to be the most powerful of all the interior OL on the squad… with maybe Urbik as his equal. Bushord seems to have lost point of attack power, Steen and Brednal suck at the POT. But Smith has looked very good at the POT… Asiata did to, but he seems a bit raw at this point. Smith also has played alot and gone against 1st string and done well. I expect him to make the team and maybe even be the starter. On the down side Steen might end up cut because he isn’t developing. So overall. This OL will rest on Pouncey if he starts and then Urbik. Worlds of difference between the two, but there are worlds of difference between Urbik and everyone else.
…they signed Maualuga for vet minimum …he’s a decent run stuffing MLB and might well earn the start there …so I think a trade for a LB is not likely barring further injuries …he sucks in pass coverage but he won’t play dime downs and neither would have MacMillan …either way he provides sound depth that we needed
…you know me, I’m not at all sanguine about our OL …its a disaster waiting to happen imnsho …I pray mj is right but he’s not making a believer out of me so far …Urbik can’t support the run game anywhere near as well as Pouncy …and who is Urbik’s bu? …no one is the correct but incorrect answer …as for guard, I’d just be repetitious if I rattled on …and then there is RT and OT bu in general …I just don’t see any
…so yeah, I’d love to see a trade for a decent starting quality C and G …we have a fair # of 2nd string WRs that would be starters on a lot of other teams …I’d like to see a trade there if it was worthwhile …but its late and the cuts will come in another couple of weeks so the trade probabilities at this point are not high
…but like everyone else, depending on Pouncy’s health and some 3rd string no-names to protect Cutler and help Ajayi doesn’t make me happy about our prospects this season
…just random thoughts, I’d not be surprised to see Phillips on the trade line …or the cut …same with Grant …he was vital when it looked like Landry might move up, but now that Parker has emerged, Landry could revert to doing the returns …he doesn’t have Grant’s speed but he does know how to catch
Well Urbik can support the run better than Pouncey, but not where you want a center in the zone stretch to support it. At the POT Urbik is way more powerful and that would be great in a man, power scheme. But in the ZS, a C that can get to the second level is like nitro and that’s where Pouncey is magic and Urbik is just steady. Although, Urbik did play C in one of the 200 yard games. But if Pouncey can play C and Urbik can play G, then we will be fine. Also, trying to get this film study out on Davis and smith longest one and most thorough yet… really excited about them. Even Salguaro and Kelly are starting to catch on… Salguero even mentioned they’re fine with Urbik a G for the season. But my cat is dying / fighting to live and I need to feed him and give him water ever 2 hours round the clock and it’s knocking me out. Then the signing happened today and Jimmy was busy… so trying to get it out tomorrow, but the film says a lot. Looking forward to your thoughts on it. Phillips played into the 3rd Q!!! That says mountains about his future… And sadly, Urbik’s BU is either Steen or Brendel and both are playing like trash. I think Steen gets cut. I could see Brendel stay if Pouncey is hurt…otherwise he’s gone too. I see at this point them keeping: Tunsil, Young, Davis, Urbik, Asiata, Poucey, Bushrod, James, and Smith… with Larsen on the IR. This will be a much better lineup than expected if the growth trend continues and some health finds it’s way to the squad….
…sorry to hear about your cat …we have 5 now and have lost too many others over the years …hope yours does get better …especially considering your kids …they take it the hardest in my experience
Thanks Lemmus… he is a tough one. Seems to be stable if not getting better. Him and his brother were my wife and I’s first babies. I’m hopefully. Next couple of days will be critical. Been a long time since I lost one… always sucks.