NFL Week 9 Injury Reports: Fins and Bolts List 21 Hobbled Players
By Abraham Gutierrez
For a second straight week, the Miami Dolphins appear to be relatively healthy in their penultimate injury report, and that’s great news considering they will be hosting the San Diego Chargers in Week 9 of the 2014 NFL season.
A total of 21 injured players make up these clubs’ combined injury reports for Sunday’s game. However, in terms of each team’s depth chart and player availability, all indications are that Bolts coach Mike McCoy will have a lot more rearranging to do than Fins head man in charge, Joe Philbin.
Adding insult to injury is the fact that five of the Chargers eight hobbled players, who did not participate in practice this week, are all from the starting squad. In serious danger of missing Sunday’s game due to injury are the following players: [Cornerbacks] Brandon Flowers (concussion) and Jason Verrett (shoulder), [Linebackers] Dwight Freeney (knee), [Linebacker] Manti Te’o (foot) and [Linebacker] Jerry Attaochu (hamstring), [Running back] Ryan Matthews (knee), [Center] Rich Ohrnberger (back), and [Safety] Jahleel Addae (concussion).
On a brighter note, Linebacker Reggie Walker (ankle) was the only injured player to partake in limited practice this week. While his game status will not be officially announced until Friday evening, his chances of seeing playing time are fair.
Finally, wrapping up San Diego’s NFL Week 9 injury report are two additional players were able to participate in full team practices: [Cornerback] Steve Williams (groin) and [Running back] Donald Brown (concussion).
Looking to extend its win streak to three straight, Miami will have he flexibility of an entire roster this week. With an offensive juggernaut like the Chargers coming to town, Fins fans would be glad to know that most players are expected to take the field.
Although the Dolphins reported 10 injured players, only two are in limbo versus the mighty Bolts. Listed as having zero participation in practice this week was: [Guard] Daryn Colledge (illness) and [Tight end] Dion Sims (toe).
According to confirmed reports, Dallas Thomas will be making his third start of the season, replacing Colledge in the team’s depth chart, as he continues to struggle with migraines.
There are also those Miami players who were only able to partake on a limited basis during this week’s practices. Optimistic that each one of the following names will be able to contribute in some capacity, Philbin’s Limited Participation in Practice list goes as follows: [Guards] Mike Pouncey (hip) and Nate Garner (neck), [Linebackers] Chris McCain (foot) and Koa Misi (ankle), [Tight end] - Charles Clay (knee) and Jimmy Wilson (hamstring).
Finally, there are those Dolphins players who, despite being less than 100 percent healthy, were still able to have Full Participation in Practice this week. With little doubt that either one will miss Sunday’s game, Miami’s staff penciled in [Cornerback] Cortland Finnegan (neck) and [Long snapper] John Denney (knee) as having taken 100 percent of the (practice) snaps.
Dolphins Week 9 Injury Report (Thursday)
Full Participation In Practice:
CB - Cortland Finnegan (neck)
LS - John Denney (knee)
Did Not Participate In Practice:
G - Daryn Colledge (illness)
TE - Dion Sims (toe)
Limited Participation In Practice:
G - Mike Pouncey (hip)
G - Nate Garner (neck)
TE - Charles Clay (knee)
LB - Chris McCain (foot)
LB - Koa Misi (ankle)
S - Jimmy Wilson (hamstring)
Chargers NFL Week 9 Injury Report (Thursday)
Full Participation In Practice:
RB - Donald Brown (concussion)
CB - Steve Williams (groin)
Limited Participation In Practice:
LB - Reggie Walker (ankle)
Did Not Participate In Practice:
C - Rich Ohrnberger (back)
CB - Brandon Flowers (concussion)
CB - Jason Verrett (shoulder)
LB - Jerry Attaochu (hamstring)
LB - Dwight Freeney (knee)
LB - Manti Te’o (foot)
RB - Ryan Matthews (knee)
S - Jahleel Addae (concussion)
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. .