Karlos Dansby Is A Fighter; Dolphins and Seahawks Mostly Healthy Heading Into Sunday's Contest
By Jeremiah Thermidor
Miami middle linebacker Karlos Dansby is a gridiron warrior. Last week, the ninth-year pro admitted he has started the past three games despite having torn the biceps in his left arm. He suffered the injury during Miami's matchup against the New York Jets on October 28.
Dansby will be playing his fourth game with the same torn biceps injury. To ease the pain and still be effective in the matchups, the 31-year-old has worn a large brace on his arm. In the last three full contests in which he's played with the torn biceps he's picked up a combined total of 22 tackles and three pass deflections. He's fought through his injury and has still made an impact on the field, and his effort and determination speaks volumes about the type of player he has become. Dansby indicated on a radio show in South Florida that he could have immediately had surgery for the injury but it would've required him to sit out. He decided instead to have the brace placed on his arm, play through the pain and allow the injury to heal on its own.
Dansby was listed as probable for the upcoming game against Seattle on Friday's injury report. He joins tight end Anthony Fasano (Hip), Punter Brandon Field (Left Knee), Center Mike Pouncey (Ankle) and safety Jimmy Wilson (Ribs) as the players who are all listed as probable for the matchup. Fasano's presence is invaluable to a receiving core which has been inconsistent this year. He's a player a young quarterback like Ryan Tannehill can depend on and find to make big plays in tough situations. Due to the lack of solid production from its pass catchers, Miami has been forced to make roster changes during the season. The Dolphins announced Wednesday the release of wide receiver Jabar Gaffney to make room for tight end Kyle Miller whom they were awarded from Indianapolis off waivers. Gaffney had just four receptions for 68 yards since he was signed by Miami in early October. He sat out last Thursday's game against Buffalo with a knee injury, which is perhaps what prompted the Dolphins to let him go and pick up a player who may be able to immediately make an impact.
Reserve middle linebacker Austin Spitler is listed as questionable on the injury report with an ankle injury. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but fully participated on Friday, which is a good sign he may see action in the game.
As for the Seahawks, they don't have any players listed as out, doubtful or questionable on the injury report, which means they're close to full strength headed into the matchup. Defensive end Red Bryant (Foot), guard James Carpenter (Concussion), running back Marshawn Lynch (Back), cornerback Byron Maxwell (Hamstring), defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (Groin), defensive end Greg Scruggs (Oblique) and linebacker K.J. Wright (Concussion) are all listed as probable for the game. Having a player like Lynch healthy and ready to go means a great deal for Seattle considering he's one of the best backs in the league and he is one of only four rushers who has eclipsed 1,000 yards on the ground this season.
The Miami Dolphins (4-6) will play host to the Seattle Seahawks (6-4) on Sunday at 1 p.m. eastern. You can watch full coverage of the game right here on CBS 4.
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Jeremiah Thermidor is a freelance writer covering all things Miami Dolphins. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
