Injury Report: Dolphins Healthy And Poised For Win At Tennessee
By Abraham Gutierrez
Miami Dolphins fans can breath a sigh of relief coming out of the bye week, as Friday's (final) injury report revealed that coach Dan Campbell will have a full roster at his disposal when the Fins march into Nissan Stadium poised for an upset win over the Tennessee Titans.
What that means is that, despite the "violent" nature of Campbell's practices/style, the Dolphins are healthy and prepared to turn their season around by proving naysayers wrong. In particular, the last-place Fins will be looking to stick it to NFL Week 6 oddsmakers, who listed Miami (+3) as three-point underdogs versus Tennessee (-3) Sunday afternoon in Nashville. Campbell and his coaching staff penciled in seven players in their official NFL Week 6 injury report, but as stated above, not one Dolphin is expected to be in street clothes. One of the most pleasant surprises in this week's injury report is the return of tight end Dion Sims, a key player that's been sidelined for three-plus games following a concussion in the season opener at Washington.
Given that there's no mystery what the Titans will do against Miami's suspect offensive line, blitz all game long, the fact that Ryan Tannehill will have an additional option down the middle could make all the difference in this game. Speaking of the Dolphins' O-line, everyone in South Florida would also be glad to know that former Pro Bowl tackle Branden Albert might finally start making his presence felt. The eighth-year man out of Virginia participated on a limited basis during this week's practice, as he continues to nurse a lingering hamstring injury. There's also great news on the opposite side of the football for Campbell and new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo.
Listed as probable is a crucial part of Miami's defensive success. Cameron Wake (hamstring) will play despite having only participated on a limited basis this week in practice. Looking to regain his Pro Bowl form, the Dolphins will rely heavily on his contributions, as well as those of fellow defensive end, Ndamukong Suh. Not only does the 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year appear to stand behind Miami's new head coach, but starting this week, he pledges to "create havoc."
"I think as a professional you can only respect the guy," Suh said regarding coach Campbell. "I think he played in the NFL for 11 years and I think he understands being in our shoes previously. Obviously now being on the other side of the ball, if you want to say the other side of the ball, but being in a coaching role he understands how to mend the two together."
Miami Dolphins NFL Injury Report & Game Statuses (Week 6)
Probable:
(TE) Dion Sims (Concussion) - Full Participation in Practice
(CB) Zackary Bowman (Shoulder) - Limited Participation in Practice
(DE) Cameron Wake (Hamstring) - Limited Participation in Practice
(LB) Chris McCain (Shoulder) - Full Participation in Practice
Questionable:
(T) Branden Albert (Hamstring) - Limited Participation in Practice
(CB) Brent Grimes (Knee) - Limited Participation in Practice
(DT) A.J. Francis (Back) - Limited Participation in Practice
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.
