Dolphins Vs. Steelers 2013 Week 14 Injury Report
By Abraham Gutierrez
If the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers preliminary NFL Week 14 injury reports are any indication, Joe Philbin and Mike Tomlin could be without the services of at least six key players for Sunday's 2013 NFL scheduled clash.
And while the Fins reported eight injured players to the Black and Gold's seven, the deciding factor is how many of those absent from the practice field this week will lead to DNP on game day.
For the visitors, the NFL playoffs are already underway, as Miami, who has four games remaining on the schedule, will likely need help in order to extend its workload into the New Year.
In addition, Philbin will need all hands on deck to try and clinch an attainable AFC Wild Card berth in what has become a four-game NFL season. The following players have been named in the preliminary Week 14 injury report, and their game status will become available Friday afternoon:
Dolphins Preliminary Injury Report (Week 14)
While Miami listed eight players in this week's report, less than half "Did Not Participate in Practice" this week, which means they're in danger of sitting out Sunday's game. Here's a look at each DNP, their injuries, and their production thus far in this 2013 NFL campaign:
- (RB) Daniel Thomas (ankle): 77 rushes, 279 yards, 3 TDs.
- (CB) Jamar Taylor (hamstring): 3 tackles.
- (G) John Jerry (concussion): 12 starts this NFL season.
In addition, there were also four players who had "Limited Participation in Practice this week. These players' game status remains uncertain, but coaches will likely make a decision on their chances of taking the field in the final Week 14 injury report:
- (RB) Lamar Miller (pectoral): 136 carries, 547 yards, 2 TDs.
- (TE) Michael Egnew (neck): 5 catches, 44 yards, 8.8 Avg.
- (CB) Dimitri Patterson (groin): 18 tackles (17 solo) 1.0 sacks, 4 INTs.
- (S) Chris Clemons (knee/hamstring): 60 tackles (42 solo), INT.
Finally, there's only one player who, despite being slowed by injury, was still able to have "Full Participation in Practice" this week. This is great news for Dolphins fans, as starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill was able to take all the snaps with the first team while nursing a right thumb injury.
Barring any complications and/or new developments, the second-year man out of Texas A&M will lead the team into a hostile Heinz Field on Sunday. Here's a look at his numbers thus far: 280/451, 3115 yards, 62.1 completion percentage, 6.9 yards-per-attempt, 17 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 45 sacks, 316 yards lost (sack) and has a quarterback-rating of 83.2.
Steelers Preliminary Injury Report (Week 14)
Much like in the case of the Dolphins, Pittsburgh is also fighting to stay in the race for the sixth and final Wild Card spot. However, unlike its counterparts, the "Steel Curtain" has put itself in a position to have to win-out, coupled with plenty of help from a number of teams.
Currently, Pittsburgh finds itself tied for eighth place in the AFC and trailing Miami and Baltimore by one and a half games.
For this week's hosts, seven players appear on Mike Tomlin's weekly injury report, with one player having been already ruled out and two others who either watched from the sidelines or spent their time in the training room.
Early in the week the organization announced that defensive end Brett Keisel has been ruled out of Sunday's game due to a foot injury. With this 12-year vet on the sidelines, Pittsburgh will be missing his 25 tackles (16 solo) and 2 sacks.
In danger of becoming game day DNPs, meaning they "Did Not Participate in Practice" this week due to injuries, were the following two hobbled players:
- (DE) Steve McLendon (ankle): 28 tackles (19 solo), forced fumble.
- (T) Kelvin Beachum (knee): 12 games, 9 starts this NFL season.
Only one player had "Limited Participation in Practice" this week, as second-year Stanford man, (G) David DeCastro (foot) occupied that spot. While his status for Sunday's game remains uncertain, he's been an integral part of this O-line, starting in all but one game this season.
Finally, three key players round out Pittsburgh's injury report for Week 14, as Steelers fans would be pleased to know that the following names partook in "Full Practice" during this week's preparation for the Fins:
- (RB) Le'Veon Bell (concussion): 159 carries, 528 yards, 5 TDs.
- (LB) LaMarr Woodley (calf): 33 tackles (19 solo), 5.0 sacks, forced fumble.
- (T) Mike Adams (ankle): 11 games, 9 starts this NFL season.
Dolphins Week 14 (Penultimate) Injury Report Recap
Did Not Participate In Practice
- (RB) Daniel Thomas (Ankle)
- (CB) Jamar Taylor (Hamstring)
- (G) John Jerry (Concussion)
Limited Participation In Practice
- (RB) Lamar Miller (Pectoral)
- TE) Michael Egnew (Neck)
- (CB) Dimitri Patterson (Groin)
- (S) Chris Clemons (Knee/Hamstring)
Full Participation In Practice
- (QB) Ryan Tannehill (Thumb)
Steelers Week 14 (Penultimate) Injury Report Recap
Did Not Participate In Practice
- (DE) Brett Keisel (Foot): Ruled "Out" of Sunday's game.
- (DE) Steve McLendon (Ankle)
- (T) Kelvin Beachum (Knee)
Limited Participation In Practice
- (G) David DeCastro (Foot)
Full Participation In Practice
- (RB) Le'Veon Bell (Concussion)
- (LB) LaMarr Woodley (Calf)
- (T) Mike Adams (Ankle)
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. .
