The final injury report came out today, and it was a big one for the Miami Dolphins. First, the good news:
Reshad Jones, Randy Starks, and, to the surprise of many, Knowshon Moreno are all listed as probable for Sunday's game. They will join Mike Pouncey, who wasn't even listed on the report.
Jones and Pouncey will be making their season debut's, while Starks will play for the first time since week three, and Moreno for the first time since the first quarter of week two.
This is HUGE news for Miami, folks. This is, without a shed of a doubt, the healthiest this team has been since the early days of training camp.
Moreno's status is a big surprise, even to me, as I didn't expect him back until next week at the absolute earliest. He even told reporters last week that it could be another month until he returns. He'll be in an arm brace, and I don't anticipate an overly heavy workload, so lets keep this in perspective. However, against a terrible rush defense like the Packers this should add confidence to the Miami fan base.
Moreno isn't the biggest story, though. Mike Pouncey is. The Dolphins are getting back one of the best lineman in the league, and, above all, THE leader in the Miami huddle. This is a HUGE return for the Dolphins.
As I said on Wednesday, though, where Pouncey plays remains up in the air.
Some think he could move back to his college position of guard, letting Samson Satele remain at the center position he's played so well in over the first month of the season.
Personally, I think this is the best course of action for Joe Philbin and the Dolphins. Pouncey is a really good center. But he's a GREAT guard. I know this because I watched him play the position for three years at Florida.
With Satele at center, and Pouncey at guard, this is the best offensive line this team has had in years.
Now to the bad news.
WR Brandon Gibson is not expected to play on Sunday as he's listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. Gibson missed practice on Monday, Wednesday, and today, and was limited on Thursday. Expect Jarvis Landry and Rashard Matthews to see an increased workload on Sunday, which shouldn't be a huge change since Landry has basically been splitting time with Gibson all season long.
On the other side of the ball, CB Cortland Finnegan is listed as questionable with a neck injury. If Finnegan cannot go, expect Jamar Taylor to fill in, with Will Davis seeing his fair share of reps as well. This, to me, is the bigger of the two issues. Miami is playing AARON RODGERS this week. You don't think he'll pick on the second year CB? This will be something to monitor on Sunday.
Two final notes before we head off into the weekend:
Charles Clay appears healthier than he's been all season long. This bye week did wonders for him, and I expect to see him close to his 2013 form on Sunday.
And finally, Koa Misi is expected to start for the first time since week one, when he injured his ankle in the first half against New England. Like Moreno and Pouncey, this is a huge boost.
Picks coming at ya tomorrow.
Two Day.
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