Despite cracked rib, Jones eager to get back into action vs. Buffalo
DAVIE — Reshad Jones did his part to silence Miami Dolphins fans and media members that believe he doesn’t want to play this season by acknowledging he’s been nursing cracked ribs for the past month.
Jones, a two-time Pro Bowler who has started 112 of the 127 games he’s played for the Dolphins the past 10 seasons, said that a rib cage injury he suffered in Miami’s 17-16 loss to the Washington Redskins in early October is the reason Miami has been forced to play without its starting strong safety for the past four games.
“I’m pretty good, [but] I’ve just been taking it one day at a time,” said Jones, who is beginning his third week of practicing on a limited basis.
“I’m almost 100[%]. It’s a cracked rib. Doesn’t need any surgery.”
Jones, who has contributed 21 tackles in the three game he’s played this season, said sitting out six games because of an ankle injury and now the rib cage injury has been a struggle. This is the second-longest stretch of his NFL career that Jones has been sidelined.
Last season, Jones played all year with a separated shoulder he had surgically repaired in the offseason, and it was the second time in his career he played in games with a major injury.
Cracked ribs typically take six weeks to heal, so considering Jones has only been sidelined for a month it is possible that Miami’s medical staff won’t clear him to play for another week or two. However, it is also possible the Dolphins might allow Jones to play against the Buffalo Bills (6-3) on Sunday with padding placed around his rib cage.
If Jones remains sidelined, expect the Dolphins to continue using a combination of Eric Rowe and Jomal Wiltz, two cornerbacks, and safety Steven Parker to fill the void Jones’ absence creates.
Rowe and Wiltz work closer to the line of scrimmage, typically defending tight ends and slot receivers, and Parker has been paired with Bobby McCain as Miami’s deep safeties in the recent games. Last week, Parker pulled down one of Miami’s three interceptions in a 16-12 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Jones’ return would provide the Dolphins defense its most accomplished playmaker considering the former University of Georgia standout has contributed 760 tackles, 21 interceptions, 10 1⁄2 sacks and scored six defensive touchdowns during his career in Miami.
“I can only take it a day at a time,” Jones said. “But I’m excited to be back to try and help these guys.”
Injury update: Taco Charlton, who has emerged as the team’s best pass rusher since joining the Dolphins in late September, had his practice participation limited Wednesday because of an elbow injury. …
Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (shoulder), linebacker Raekwon McMillan (knee), defensive end Avery Moss (ankle) and tight end Durham Smythe (knee/elbow) also had their practice participation limited because of their injuries.
Cornerback Ken Webster (ankle) began a third straight practice week sidelined by his injury. …
Tailback Kalen Ballage (neck) and receiver DeVante Parker (calf ) were new additions to the injury report. However, their practice participation wasn’t limited.
Ballage and Parker are both starters for the Dolphins, and considering the lack of depth at their positions, replacing either offensive player would be a challenge for Miami.
Two rookies — Patrick Laird and Myles Gaskins — are the primary reserves at tailback. Laird handled two carries, gaining 4 yards in his first regular-season game last week. Gaskins hasn’t attempted a carry for the Dolphins.
And Miami is struggling to overcome the season-ending injury Preston Williams suffered against the New York Jets earlier this month and can’t afford to lose Parker, who has battled injuries throughout his five seasons with the Dolphins.