2014 NFL Injury Reports Week 7: Dolphins Vs. Bears
By Abraham Gutierrez
Hoping the "Windy City" brings "Change" to their recent fortunes, the (2-3) Miami Dolphins hit the road to take on the (3-3) Chicago Bears in Week 7 of the 2014 NFL season. However, if the team's penultimate injury report is any indication, there are at least 16 players nursing bumps and bruises in preparation for this pivotal interconference showdown.
But even in the midst of Miami's extensive injury list there's good news, as it appears that only one player will lead to a DNP versus "Da Bears" on Game Day. Nursing a hamstring injury, (strong safety) Jimmy Wilson was the only one to sit out Wednesday and Thursday's practices.
Thus, the fourth-year man out of Montana will likely miss the first game of a season in which he's contributed with 26 tackles (19 solo, 7 assist), an interception and a pass deflection. His injury took place during Miami's (27-24) loss to the Green Bay Packers last week, when he assumed the role of nickel cornerback for the first time this year.
Despite telling reporters he's healthy and ready to play, Joe Philbin's policy — regarding players who aren't able to practice all week — makes it unlikely he will see any playing time Sunday at Soldier Field. After replacing Wilson in the final series of the Packers game, all indications are that cornerback Jamar Taylor will take over in his absence as part of Miami's nickel packages.
The good news is that the majority of the players on this week's injury list were able to participate in full team practices. The following eight names comprise the Miami Dolphins Full Participation in Practice in preparation for the Chicago Bears: running back Damien Williams (hamstring), long snapper John Denney (knee), safety Louis Delmas (elbow), guards Shelley Smith (knee) and Dallas Thomas (shoulder), wide receiver Damian Williams, quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle) and linebacker Philip Wheeler (shoulder/thumb).
Then there were those whose injuries enabled them to only participate on a limited basis in this week's practices. The following players' status on Game Day will remain a question mark until Friday evening when Philbin announces his final decision: wide receiver Brandon Gibson (hamstring), linebacker Koa Misi (ankle), cornerback Cortland Finnegan (neck), tackle Branden Albert (elbow), running back Lamar Miller (knee), center Samson Satele and tight end Charles Clay (knee).
For the Chicago Bears, there were 11 players on Week 7's injury list, with four of them in danger of missing Sunday's game after not participating in practice at all. Those Bears who Did Not Participate in Practice are: linebacker Lance Briggs (ribs), running back Matt Forte (non-injury related), safety Chris Conte (shoulder) and defensive tackle Stephen Paea (non-injury related).
Then there were those players who will likely play in some capacity after having full participation in practice: cornerback Sherrick McManis (quadriceps/knee), tackle Jermon Bushrod (knee/ankle) and linebacker Shea McClellin (hand).
And finally, there were those Chicago players whose injuries forced them only to participate on a limited basis. Waiting for their game statutes for Sunday's game after having Limited Participation in Practice are: tackle Jordan Mills (foot), linebackers D.J. Williams (neck) and Jon Bostic (back), as well as safety Ahmad Dixon (hamstring).
Miami Dolphins Penultimate Week 7 Injury Report (Recap)
Full Participation in Practice:
RB - Damien Williams (hamstring)
LS - long snapper John Denney (knee)
S - Louis Delmas (elbow)
G - Shelley Smith (knee)
G - Dallas Thomas (shoulder)
WR - Damian Williams
QB - Ryan Tannehill (ankle)
LB - linebacker Philip Wheeler (shoulder/thumb)
Limited Participation in Practice:
WR - Brandon Gibson (hamstring)
LB - Koa Misi (ankle)
CB - Cortland Finnegan (neck)
T - Branden Albert (elbow)
RB - Lamar Miller (knee)
C - Samson Satele
TE - Charles Clay (knee).
Did Not Participate in Practice:
S - Jimmy Wilson (hamstring)
Chicago Bears Penultimate Week 7 Injury Report (Recap)
Full Participation in Practice:
CB - Sherrick McManis (quadriceps/knee)
T - Jermon Bushrod (knee/ankle)
LB - Shea McClellin (hand)
Limited Participation in Practice:
T - Jordan Mills (foot)
LB - D.J. Williams (neck)
LB - Jon Bostic (back)
S - Ahmad Dixon (hamstring)
Did Not Participate in Practice:
LB - Lance Briggs (ribs)
RB - Matt Forte (non-injury related)
S - Chris Conte (shoulder)
DT - Stephen Paea (non-injury related)
For more Dolphins news and updates, visit Dolphins Central.
Abe Gutierrez is a criminal justice admin whose love for sports led him to become a writer and editor. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com and its partners. His work can be found on Examiner.com. .