Dolphins Injuries Add To Uphill Battle Against Andrew Luck's Colts
By Abraham Gutierrez
The last time the Miami Dolphins got off to a 2-0 start was during the 2010 NFL season, and coincidentally, both wins came on the road. Looking to duplicate the early success they enjoyed three years ago, the Fins invade Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS-4 (Miami).
Repeating this feat will prove to be a tall task in more ways than one. Not only will Miami have Andrew Luck and the (1-0) Indianapolis Colts to contend with, but the Dolphins will also be forced to overcome a long list of injuries.
On Thursday, the Dolphins reported a total of 10 players for this week's intraconference showdown.
Considering Miami will be facing one of the best young quarterbacks in the game today, Miami's seven names on the injury report should be a key factor on how they contain the young signal caller.
Dolphins Defense Injury Report & Fantasy News
Cornerback (#22) Jamar Taylor (groin): After missing last week's opener with a groin injury, the rookie from Boise State did not practice this week and has been ruled out for the Colts game on Sunday.
Cornerback (#24) Dimitri Patterson (groin): After playing last week against the Browns, Patterson participated in limited practice this week. He certainly showed no signs of injury, and was instrumental in Miami's 23-10 victory. The seventh-year player out of Tuskegee recorded two tackles and two crucial INTs for Miami.
Cornerback (#29) Will Davis (toe): It appears that the 23-year-old rookie from Utah State will have to wait another week to make his NFL debut. The Fins reported he engaged in limited participation in practice this week. Thus, Davis will ride the pine for a second straight week.
Safety (#20) Reshad Jones (thumb): The fourth-year man out of Georgia got his 2013 NFL season off to a great start. Jones played a key role in Miami's defensive gem against the Browns, recording six tackles in the opener. The Fins reported that he participated on a limited basis in this week's preparations for the Colts game.
Defensive End (#95) Dion Jordan (shoulder): Despite having a bum shoulder, the rookie from Oregon certainly made his presence felt in Week 1. Jordan wasted no time getting himself into the record books, coming away with a sack on Cleveland signal-caller, Brandon Weeden. He had full participation in this week's practices, and is expected to play against his former NCAA football rival, Andrew Luck.
Middle Linebacker (#59) Dannell Ellerbe (pectoral): The former Raven made quite an impression on Joe Philbin and his coaching staff in the opener. Despite nursing a pectoral injury, the fifth-year, ex-Bulldog finished his day of work with six tackles, including four solos and two assists. He had full participation in practice this week and will likely see some action Sunday afternoon.
Linebacker (#56) Jonathan Freeny (shoulder): Due to a shoulder injury, the second-year man from Rutgers started his sophomore NFL season as a spectator. However, after having a full week of practice, Freeney will likely get a shot at Luck and the Colts.
Dolphins Offense Injury Report & Fantasy News
Quarterback (#7) Pat Devlin (ankle): The third-year quarterback out of Delaware remains on the shelf with an injured ankle. He did not partake in team practices this week and has been ruled out of Sunday's contest at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Wide Receiver (#10) Brandon Gibson (wrist): Despite nursing an injured wrist, the fifth-year man out of WSU was Ryan Tannehill's second favorite target behind Brian Hartline in the opener. Gibson recorded seven catches for 77 yards, including a 24-yard reception. He participated in full team practices this week, and is expected to start versus Indy.
Tight End (#80) Dion Sims (groin): After sitting out last week's game, the rookie from Michigan State appears to be feeling much better from a groin injury. Miami's report indicates he had full participation in practice, which likely means he's all set for his NFL debut on Sunday.
Miami Dolphins Injury Report (Week 1) Released Sept. 12:
- (LB) Jonathan Freeny (shoulder) – Full Participation in Practice
- (QB) Pat Devlin (ankle) – Did Not Participate In Practice
- (WR) Brandon Gibson (wrist) – Full Participation in Practice
- (CB) Jamar Taylor (groin) – Did Not Participate In Practice
- (LB) Dannell Ellerbe (pectoral) – Full Participation in Practice
- (DE) Dion Jordan (shoulder) – Full Participation in Practice
- (FS) Reshad Jones (thumb) – Limited Participation in Practice
- (CB) Dimitri Patterson (groin) – Limited Participation in Practice
- (TE) Dion Sims (groin) – Full Participation in Practice
- (CB) Will Davis (toe) – Limited Participation in Practice
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 makes him a valued addition to Examiner.com and its partners. His work can be found on Examiner.com. .
