Week 10 Injury Reports: Dolphins And Lions Prepared For Showdown In Motown
By Abraham Gutierrez
In the National Football League, roster depth and player availability is usually a good indicator of a team’s probability of success or failure week in and week out. And while the (6-2) Detroit Lions are no exception, when the players in question are wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Reggie Bush, the stakes skyrocket to the nth degree.
Luckily for Lions head coach, Jim Caldwell, both superstars appear to be healthy enough to play when the (5-3) Miami Dolphins invade Ford Field. According to the team’s penultimate Week 10 injury report, their ankle injuries are no longer part of the equation, which has to make Lions fans very happy.
Not only was the four-time Pro Bowler wideout and (2008) All-Pro halfback able to partake in full team practices this week, but all indications are they will start against Miami’s third-ranked defense in Sunday’s showdown in Motown.
After missing three games with a bummed ankle, the man simply known as Megatron issued a warning to the Dolphins secondary and the rest of the league: Prepare for the very best Calvin Johnson anyone has seen thus far in the 2014 NFL season.
“There haven't been many times where I had three, four weeks off,” he said following Wednesday’s practice. “Any time you get that kind of time off, your body is going to feel rejuvenated.”
Another piece of good news for the Lions offense is the fact that tackle LaAdrian Waddle (concussion) was also able to take 100 percent of the snaps this week.
Defensive tackle Nick Fairley (knee) was the only player reported as having missed practice completely this week. While his return remains uncertain, Caldwell revealed the fourth-year man out of Auburn won’t require surgery after spraining his right knee two weeks ago.
“He's had a couple evaluations, and the doctors have stressed that rest and hopefully some healing will give them a clearer picture of what should be done," said the Lions’ first-year head coach. "Right now, it's a nonsurgical procedure."
Meanwhile, the following names were able to participate on a limited basis for the felines, as they put the finishing touches on their preparation for the surging Fins: [Tight Ends] Brandon Pettigrew (foot), Joseph Fauria (ankle) and Eric Ebron (hamstring), and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (toe).
For the Miami Dolphins, Joe Philbin and his staff reported 12 injured players following Wednesday and Thursday’s practice sessions. However, only one of those injuries appears to be serious enough to miss preparations for this week’s clash.
Likely leading to a DNP for the second straight week, (TE) Dion Sims did not practice as he continues to nurse an injured toe. The second-year man out of Michigan State has registered seven grabs on the year for a total of 116 yards and a score.
With a very optimistic outlook, Miami also reported an additional nine players that were able to participate on a limited basis during this week’s practices.
Likely to contribute in some capacity in Week 10 are the following Dolphin players: [Defensive Tackle] Earl Mitchell (oblique), [Center] Mike Pouncey (hip), [Linebackers] Jordan Tripp (ankle), Koa Misi (ankle) and Kelvin Sheppard (hip/groin), [Tight End] Charles Clay (knee), [Running Back] Lamar Miller (shoulder), [Guard] Daryn Colledge (back) and [Safety] Jimmy Wilson (hamstring).
Finally, the best for last, as the following two players were able to take 100 percent of the snaps in practice this week: [Linebacker] Chris McCain (foot) and [Defensive Tackle] Anthony Johnson (back).
Lions Penultimate Week 10 Injury Report (Recap)
Full Participation in Practice:
- T - LaAdrian Waddle (concussion)
- WR - Calvin Johnson (ankle)
- RB - Reggie Bush (ankle)
Limited Participation in Practice:
- TE - Brandon Pettigrew (foot)
- TE - Joseph Fauria (ankle)
- DE - Ezekiel Ansah (toe)
- TE - Eric Ebron (hamstring)
Did Not Participate in Practice:
- DT - Nick Fairley (knee)
Dolphins Penultimate Week 10 Injury Report (Recap)
Full Participation in Practice:
- LB - Chris McCain (foot)
- DT - Anthony Johnson (back)
Limited Participation in Practice:
- DT - Earl Mitchell (oblique)
- C - Mike Pouncey (hip)
- LB - Jordan Tripp (ankle)
- TE - Charles Clay (knee)
- LB - Koa Misi (ankle)
- RB - Lamar Miller (shoulder)
- G - Daryn Colledge (back)
- S - Jimmy Wilson (hamstring)
- LB - Kelvin Sheppard (hip/groin)
Did Not Participate in Practice:
- TE - Dion Sims (toe)
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. .