Dolphins Injury Report Week 9: Fins Poised To Upset Bills At Ralph Wilson Stadium
By Abraham Gutierrez
On Sunday, the (3-4) Miami Dolphins will take the field for the first time in 10 days, and for head coach Dan Campbell, his biggest challenges will be to prepare his troops physically and to inspire them mentally to face a tough test in the (3-4) Buffalo Bills.
From a physical standpoint, Campbell and his coaching staff listed 13 players in this week's injury report. However, the good news is that, thus far, only one has been officially ruled out of Sunday's showdown at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
According to the information provided, right tackle, Ja'Wuan James is the only player not expected to take the field, as he's nursing an injured toe. The second-year man out of Tennessee, who suffered the injury during the second quarter of Miami's 7-36 loss in Foxborough, is expected to be on the shelf anywhere between four to six weeks.
In Jones' absence, Campbell will have to decide whether to promote (second and third string right tackles) Jeff Linkenbach or Ulrick John, or perhaps even explore the possibility of sliding over (second-string) left tackle Jason Fox to the other side to try and fill that void.
Moving right along, there are two additional players with a high risk of becoming DNPs on gameday. After failing to participate in practice, the status of safety Jordan Kovacs (knee) and wide receiver DeVante Parker (foot) will be revealed prior to game-time, as they were both listed as doubtful after sitting out Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Finally, there are four other players that remain a question mark for the Dolphins' interdivisional clash with Rex Ryan's Bills this week. Listed as questionable, and also in danger of sitting out are running back Damien Williams (Thumb), tight end Jordan Cameron (Hamstring), defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (Knee) and linebacker Neville Hewitt (Hamstring).
With Miami coming off its most anemic offensive effort of the season, having a big body like Cameron available down the middle could make all the difference against a Bills' defense that ranks 22nd in the league in passing yards per game (255.4). The former Pro Bowler has shown an ability to play through pain, as he was able to take the field earlier this season despite having a groin injury.
Here's how the rest of the Miami Dolphins' NFL Week 9 injury report looks like, as well as each players' game statuses:
Miami Dolphins' Full Injury Report & Game Statuses (Week 9)
Probable:
(CB) Brent Grimes (Ribs) - Full Participation in Practice
(S) Reshad Jones (Shoulder) - Full Participation in Practice
(CB) Brice McCain (Knee) - Limited Participation in Practice
(LB) Koa Misi (Foot) - Limited Participation in Practice
(QB) Matt Moore (Nose) - Full Participation in Practice
(LB) Spencer Paysinger (Shoulder) - Limited Participation in Practice
Questionable:
(RB) Damien Williams (Thumb) - Limited Participation in Practice
(TE) Jordan Cameron (Hamstring) - Limited Participation in Practice
(DT) Jordan Phillips (Knee) - Limited Participation in Practice
(LB) Neville Hewitt (Hamstring) - Limited Participation in Practice
Doubtful:
(S) Jordan Kovacs (Knee) - Did Not Participate In Practice
(WR) DeVante Parker (Foot) - Did Not Participate In Practice
Out:
(T) Ja'Wuan James (Toe) - Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
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.
