Dolphins Week 11 Injury Report: Miami Has Personnel Issues On Both Sides Of The Football
By Abraham Gutierrez
The final hurdle prior to Sunday's NFL Week 11 contest between the (5-4) Miami Dolphins and the (4-5) Los Angeles Rams was cleared Friday evening, as Adam Gase and his staff submitted the final injury report, which included game statuses and participation in practice throughout the week.
In total, there are 12 Dolphins' players listed in this week's report. There are six players listed from the offensive side of the football and six from the defensive side. Going up against a respectable Rams defensive front, lack of depth could spell trouble for the visiting team.
Dolphins' offensive line banged up
At first glance, the main takeaway for this game will be Miami's potential personnel shortage in the offensive line. After sitting out practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, it comes as no surprise that tackle Branden Albert has been ruled out of Sunday's game due to a wrist injury.
After missing two games earlier this season -- losses to Cincinnati and Tennessee in Weeks 4 and 5 -- Albert returned to the starting lineup in Week 6. Since then, Miami has yet to lose a game and the former Virginia standout has been an integral part in Ryan Tannehill's protection as well as Jay Ajayi's breakout season.
Needless to say, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Rochester, New York, native will be missed versus a defense that's ranked seventh in total yards (327), eighth in passing yards (223.9) and 10th in points per game allowed (19.2). Unfortunately, the Dolphins could also be without the services of another key offensive player, as one of the best centers in the game, Mike Pouncey is listed as doubtful.
Nursing an injured hip, the three-time Pro Bowler tried to give it a go, but was ultimately unable to stay on the practice field. Pouncey practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday, but was forced to sit out Thursday and Friday's practices, leaving him as a huge question mark on game day.
Dolphins have issues on defense too
Aside from Albert, the only other player to be ruled out of Sunday's game at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum is cornerback, Xavien Howard. Miami's second-round draft pick failed to practice all week and will miss his sixth game of the season because of an injured knee.
Luckily for Miami, guys like Byron Maxwell, Tony Lippett and others have done a solid job of picking up the slack in Howard's absence, and thus, will have their numbers called yet again on Sunday.
The only other player listed as doubtful is also part of Miami's resistance, as linebacker Jelani Jenkins was also forced to watch from the sidelines in practice as he continues to rehab an injured hand and a balking knee.
Finally, there are an additional four defensive players in the Dolphins' NFL Week 11 injury report that are listed as questionable. Going up against one of the most anemic offenses in football, the Dolphins hopes to bully the Rams and keep them off the scoreboard.
However, with the participation of players like defense ends, Mario Williams (ankle) and Jason Jones (knee) up in the air, it could be a long afternoon for the Dolphins' defense that ranks 30th at defending the rush (128.8), 20th in total yards allowed (364.3) and 15th in points per game surrendered (22.9).
Also listed as questionable is Dolphins linebacker Mike Hull (knee) and safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (ankle). After having had full participation in practice all week, there's a very good chance Hull will take the field.
Meanwhile, Abdul-Quddus' injured ankle got better as the week progressed, as the sixth-year man out of Fordham was limited in Wednesday and Thursday's practice before having full participation on the final day of preparations.
Miami Dolphins (NFL Week 11) Injury Report & Game Statuses
Questionable:
- (DE) Mario Williams (Ankle) -- Did Not Participate In Practice
- (DE) Jason Jones (Knee) -- Limited Participation in Practice
- (G) Anthony Steen (Neck) -- Full Participation in Practice
- (LB) Mike Hull (Knee) -- Full Participation in Practice
- (S) Isa Abdul-Quddus (Ankle) -- Limited Participation in Practice
- (T) Jermon Bushrod (Shoulder) -- Limited Participation in Practice
- (WR) Jarvis Landry (Shoulder) -- Limited Participation in Practice
- (WR) Kenny Stills (Calf) -- Limited Participation in Practice
Doubtful:
- (C) Mike Pouncey (Hip) -- Did Not Participate In Practice
- (LB) Jelani Jenkins (Knee/Hand) -- Did Not Participate In Practice
Out:
- (CB) Xavien Howard (Knee) -- Did Not Participate In Practice
- (T) Branden Albert (Wrist) -- Did Not Participate In Practice