Injuries are sapping Miami’s talents.
Injuries could play a major factor in this week’s critical game.
The Miami Dolphins are just one game into the 2016 season, and unfortunately the injuries are already pilling up. Injuries are clearly a part of this sport. Every team is going to have their fair share of injuries, which means depth becomes very important, because the next man up needs to step up. At least, we can hope they do.
Starting with the most severe injury, Earl Mitchell has been placed on Injured Reserve with a calf injury, and he will be gone for at least half the season. As a result, Miami resigned DT Chris Jones, who they just cut during preseason. In addition, this will also mean that Jordan Phillips will be pushed into a starting role beside Suh. Phillips did play well in the Seattle game, however, he too left the game twice with a minor ankle injury, but he is expected to be ready for this upcoming Patriots game.
Also on the Defensive side of the ball, Mario Williams after most of the week exercising, practiced yesterday and will play Sunday. Williams played very well in the Seattle game, and it was a pity he had to leave the game with a concussion. He could have made a difference in getting to Russell Wilson on Seattle’s game winning drive.
Rookie Xavien Howard was limited this week with a knee injury, which is not a good sign, because he already missed the whole offseason and preseason with a knee injury. However, Howard was able to start and finish the Seattle game and even held his own in that game. Miami will most likely use a conservative approach with Howard considering he is a rookie, and they are not going to want to jeopardize his long term health.
Then on the offense, DeVante Parker has been able to participate in team drills this week and will most likely be a game time decision this weekend. The Dolphins offense could really use Parker this weekend, because he has sure hands and brings another dimension to the passing offense because of his unique size and speed.
Arian Foster did not practice Wednesday and the Dolphins have him listed with a minor hamstring injury. However, Coach Gase said Foster is fine, and kept Foster out of practice because he didn’t believe a veteran guy like Foster needed the extra contact. Gase went a step further and said this will be a weekly thing for Foster, in order to keep him fresher for the rest of the season.
Lastly, Pouncey still has not practiced, but he has been exercising on the sidelines. Most of the best pay per head bookie software in the world is betting that Pouncey will still be inactive for this upcoming game against the Pats. Also, Jelani Jenkins was limited in practice with a sore knee; however, he was able to play against Seattle, so he should most likely be able to play this Sunday against the Patriots. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about the Dolphins health status?