Injuries again impacting ‘D’ line
The Miami Dolphins defensive line has struggled most of this season, and this Sunday’s game against a physical Indianapolis Colts offensive line could be more challenging because of injuries Miami’s two starting defensive tackles are nursing.
Davon Godchaux, a threeyear starter, had his practice participation limited Wednesday because of a shoulder injury, and Christian Wilkins, the Dolphins’ 2019 first-round pick, had his participation limited because of a toe injury.
Both defensive tackles will likely play against the Colts (5-3), but the injuries could impact their performance or workload. What is problematic is the fact that Miami only has one backup defensive tackle — John Jenkins — on the 53-man roster after Robert Nkemdiche’s release on Tuesday.
It is possible that Miami will promote Gerald Willis, a former University of Miami standout, or Frank Herron, a former LSU standout, up from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. The Dolphins have one open roster spot available because of Mark Walton’s four-game suspension for getting arrested three times earlier this year.
Wilkins, a former Clemson standout Miami selected with the 13th overall pick, is coming off his best performance of the season against the New York
Jets, a game in which he contributed five tackles (two for a loss) and got his first NFL sack. He’s contributed 28 tackles, one sack and one pass breakup in the eight games he’s played this season.
Godchaux, who has contributed 31 tackles and one sack in eight games, is viewed as the leader of Miami’s defensive line, which is allowing 150.8 rushing yards per game. His presence on the field will be critical because he’s expected to line up opposite Colts left guard Quenton Nelson, who is viewed as one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. Coincidentally, Nelson is battling a hip and neck injury that has limited his practice participation for the past few weeks.
The Colts are averaging 129.8 rushing yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry behind the running of Marlon Mack, who has gained 679 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns on 159 carries.
Tankersley to IR
The Dolphins decided against activating cornerback Cordrea Tankersley from the physically-unable-to-perform list following his 21-day tryout period, which is what all players who start the season on the PUP list get.
That means the Dolphins’ 2017 third-round pick will revert to injured reserve for the remainder of the season and can no longer participate in practices.
Tankersley, who started 11 games during his rookie season, suffered a season-ending knee injury last November during practice, and apparently hasn’t made a full recovery.
Flores refutes report
If there was an issue during Nkemdiche’s brief time with the Dolphins, it was not a behavioral issue.
Dolphins coach Brian Flores on Wednesday shared his support for Nkemdiche by dispelling an NFL Network report, one day after cutting the former first-round pick from the team.
“There were some things floating around about his behavior and those aren’t true,” Flores said.
“I liked him a lot and he’s good kid. I wish him the best.”
Flores’ comment comes after NFL Network said Tuesday, citing sources, that “tardiness was a bit of an issue with Nkemdiche in Miami.
Dolphins add receiver
aThe Dolphins claimed receiver Gary Jennings off waivers. Jennings was released this week by Seattle, which had chosen him in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.