Injury Report: Cowboys Defense Will Test Dolphins' Suspect Offensive Line
By Abraham Gutierrez
The Miami Dolphins' rollercoaster NFL season continues with an intriguing battle with the Dallas Cowboys, and if the Fins' Week 11 injury report is any indication, it would be wise for Ryan Tannehill to have his running shoes handy. That's because two of Miami's eight hobbled players are part of the offensive line, which is the perfect segue for Dan Campbell's answer this week when asked if his second-year signal-caller should be utilizing his feet more.
"That's certainly still in our package," said the Dolphins head coach. "Would we like to run him more? Yeah."
For Sunday's proceedings, Miami will be without the services of starting right tackle, Ja'Wuan James. The good news is that he's the only Dolphin to be officially ruled out as of Friday evening. Nursing an injured toe, the second-year pro out of Tennessee was unable to participate in this week's practices, and thus, will be forced to miss his third straight game.
The Fins' depth chart shows that Coach Campbell will have the option of either playing second and third string right tackles Jeff Linkenbach and Ulrick John, or sliding over left tackle Jason Fox to help plug that gap. James had registered seven straight starts before sitting out the Week 9 game against Buffalo and last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles (Week 10).
Another member of the O-line that's also in danger of sitting out Sunday's game is second-string right guard, Jamil Douglas. Due to a shoulder injury to the rookie out of Arizona State, Miami could be down to Billy Turner as the only other player at that position. Nevertheless, starting left guard Dallas Thomas is always available to swap sides in certain packages.
In addition to the aforementioned offensive linemen, there's also a pair of defensive players whose statuses will be a game-time decision. Listed as doubtful against the 'Boys are linebackers Jelani Jenkins (ankle), who was unable to participate in practice – and Spencer Paysinger, whose neck limited him to take only a few snaps this week.
Obviously, the biggest concern for Dolphins fans is Jenkins' ability to take the field to give Tony Romo a proper "welcome back" to the NFL. The third-year pro out of the University of Florida has started in nine games this season, recording 53 tackles, a pass defended and a forced fumble in the process.
Paysinger, who's Jenkins back up in the team's depth chart, could miss only his second game of the season. In eight contests, the fifth-year Oregon product has tallied 16 tackles in eight games played.
Here's how the rest of the Fins' NFL Week 11 injury report looks like prior to their showdown with the Cowboys, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on CBS Sports:
Miami Dolphins NFL Week 11 Injury Report & Game Statuses
Probable:
(G) Jamil Douglas (Shoulder) - Full Participation in Practice
(S) Michael Thomas (Shoulder) - Full Participation in Practice
(RB) Damien Williams (Ankle/Hand) - Full Participation in Practice
Questionable:
(CB) Brice McCain (Knee) - Limited Participation in Practice
(LB) Koa Misi (Abdomen) - Did Not Participate In Practice
Doubtful:
(LB) Jelani Jenkins (Ankle) - Did Not Participate In Practice
(LB) Spencer Paysinger (Neck) - Limited Participation in Practice
Out:
(T) Ja'Wuan James (Toe) - Did Not Participate In Practice
Abe Gutierrez's (Twitter: @GutierrezAbe) passion led him to ditch law school journey in order to launch his own publishing company. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com, AXS.com and the CBS-Sports family. Some of his work can be found on CBS-Miami (Dolphins), CBS-LosAngeles (Chargers), CBS-BayArea (Raiders), CBS-NewYork (NY Jets), CBS-TampaBay (Buccaneers), AXS.com, Examiner.com and other online publications.