Banged-Up Panthers Defense Visits Scrappy Dolphins In NFL Week 12 Showdown
By Abraham Gutierrez
Just six days after their stunning victory over the Patriots, the (7-3) Carolina Panthers travel to sunny South Florida to take on a scrappy (5-5) Miami Dolphins team battling to stay afloat in more ways than one.
Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, will be the site for this interconference NFL Week 12 battle. Opening kickoff is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. EST live on FOX7 (Miami).
With their victory over the Atlanta Falcons Thursday night, the (9-2) New Orleans Saints were able to create a little bit of distance between themselves and the red-hot Panthers in the standings.
Thus, Carolina comes into its Week 12 battle with the Dolphins trailing the NFC South leaders by two and a half games and a quick turnaround after a short week of rest.
Shorter time in between games usually translates to a long list of injuries on game day. However, in the case of the Panthers and Dolphins, the team with the extra day of rest actually detailed twice as many banged-up bodies following Thursday's practice.
Miami Dolphins Injury Report (Week 12)
Despite having no travel time and a full week of recuperation, Joe Philbin and his coaching staff submitted 12 players in this week's mandatory injury report. And while Thursday's report isn't final, it gives NFL fans a good sense for which guys will be available on game day.
A total of three players did not practice this week, which will likely lead to "DNPs" against Carolina. Of course, that includes (tackle) Jonathan Martin ("Definitely Will Not Play"), who has been ruled out with an "illness" until further notice.
The other two bystanders were (cornerback) Dimitri Patterson, who continues to battle a lingering groin injury, and center Mike Pouncey (illness). Both of their statuses remain undecided until Friday's final report.
Then there were those players who were able to take some snaps, despite being less than 100 percent. Listed as having performed "Limited Participation in Practice" this week, were: safeties Chris Clemons (knee/shoulder) and Reshad Jones (groin), along with wide receive Mike Wallace (hamstring) and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (knee).
Finally, Miami's staff also detailed five players who were able to have "Full Participation in Practice" despite nursing injuries. Likely "probables" to play Sunday against the Panthers are: linebacker Koa Misi (knee), defensive end Derrick Shelby (ankle), wide receiver Rishard Matthews (back), running back Daniel Thomas (ribs) and safety Jimmy Wilson (abdomen).
Carolina Panthers Injury Report (Week 12)
As stated above, Carolina comes into this game with only six players listed in Thursday's injury report. However, unlike Miami, all but one player "Did Not Participate" in preparations for Sunday's game, likely all leading to DNPs.
Of the six names on the list, only cornerback Drayton Florence (groin) was able to partake in "limited" practices this week.
The following names are all listed as "Did Not Participate in Practice", which could lead to a big day for Miami's running game, if they're all unable to play on Sunday: Defensive ends Charles Johnson (knee) and Greg Hardy (knee), linebacker Chase Blackburn (foot), along with guard Chris Scott (knee) and tight end Ben Hartsock (knee).
Dolphins (Thursday) Injury Report Recap
Did Not Participate in Practice
- (T) Jonathan Martin (Illness).
- (CB) Dimitri Patterson (Groin).
- (C) Mike Pouncey (Illness).
Limited Participation in Practice
- (S) Chris Clemons (Knee/Shoulder).
- (S) Reshad Jones (Groin).
- (WR) Mike Wallace (Hamstring).
- (LB) Dannell Ellerbe (Knee).
Full Participation in Practice
- (LB) Koa Misi (Knee).
- (DE) Derrick Shelby (Ankle).
- (WR) Rishard Matthews (Back).
- (RB) Daniel Thomas (Ribs).
- (S) Jimmy Wilson (Abdomen).
Panthers (Thursday) Injury Report Recap
Did Not Participate in Practice
- (LB) Chase Blackburn (Foot).
- (CB) Drayton Florence (Groin).
- (DE) Greg Hardy (Knee).
- (TE) Ben Hartsock (Knee).
- (DE) Charles Johnson (Knee).
Limited Participation in Practice
- (CB) Drayton Florence (Groin).
Practice Reference Key
- DNP: Did not participate in practice.
- LP: Limited Participation in Practice – Less than 100 percent of a player's normal repetitions.
- FP: Full Participation – 100 percent of a player's normal repetitions.
- Out: Player will not play.
- Not Listed: No practice status available.
Game Status Reference Key
- Out: Player will not play.
- Doubtful: 25 percent chance a player will play.
- Questionable: 50 percent chance a player will play.
- Probable: 75 percent chance a player will play.
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. .
