Chargers And Dolphins Look To Remain In Playoff Race Despite Injuries
By Abraham Gutierrez
With 10 weeks in the books, the (4-5) Miami Dolphins and the (4-5) San Diego Chargers come into their AFC intraconference showdown with no shortage of banged up bodies. Following Thursday's practices, the Fins reported 13 injured players, while the Bolts detailed 11 names in each team's penultimate injury report for Week 11.
Dolphins Week 11 Injury Report
In preparation for a crucial home game against the Chargers, Joe Philbin and his staff reported six offensive players, five on the defensive side of the football and two on special teams.
As stated above, only one player has been ruled out this week – and potentially for the remainder of the season – as Jonathan Martin is listed as "Definitely Will Not Play", according to the information submitted to the National Football League.
The biggest concerns/question marks at this point are those players who sat out, or were only able to participate on a limited basis during this week's practices.
Other than Martin, only tackle Will Yeatman (knee) was unable to take any snaps or reps with the team. According to reports, the third-year starter out of Maryland suffered a torn ACL during practice this week, and will likely spend the rest of the NFL season on Injured Reserve.
Listed as "Limited Participation in Practice" on Thursday's report were: Safeties Reshad Jones (groin) and Chris Clemons (knee/hamstring), linebacker Koa Misi (knee), wide receiver Mike Wallace (hamstring), cornerback Dimitri Patterson (groin) and running back Daniel Thomas (ankle).
Likely to play on Sunday were those with "Full Participation in Practice" status, which include: Punter Brandon Fields (shoulder), linebacker Jelani Jenkins (illness), tight end Michael Egnew (neck), kicker Caleb Sturgis (right groin) and tackle Tyson Clabo (knee).
Chargers Week 11 Injury Report
Much like this week's counterparts, Mike McCoy's squad also detailed a long list of players nursing some sort of injury in preparation for Sunday's showdown: Seven offensive players and four on the offensive side of the football.
Nevertheless, there's a bit more concern coming out of San Diego's camp, as trainers and team doctors are dealing with five players that were unable to partake in team practices.
Pending Friday's final injury report – which will contain their "Game Status" – there's a good chance the following players could be sidelined against Miami on Sunday (Did Not Participate in Practice): Running back Le'Ron McClain (ankle), center Nick Hardwick (neck), tackle King Dunlap (neck), wide receiver Eddie Royal (toe) and safety Jahleel Addae (ankle).
Three players had "Limited Participation in Practice" for San Diego this week: Running back Ryan Mathews (hamstring), defensive end Lawrence Guy (toe) and linebacker Jarret Johnson (hamstring).
And finally, there are those who will likely see ample playing time versus the Fins, despite their bumps and bruises.
Detailed to have partaken in "Full Participation in Practice" this week were: Tackle Mike Remmers (ankle), guard Chad Rinehart (toe) and linebacker Manti Te'o (elbow).
Miami and San Diego are scheduled to kick off Sunday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. ET live from Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Dolphins (Thursday) Injury Report Recap
Did Not Participate in Practice
- (T) Jonathan Martin (Game Status: Out)
- (T) Will Yeatman (Likely to IR: knee)
Limited Participation in Practice
- (S) Reshad Jones (groin)
- (S) Chris Clemons (knee/hamstring)
- (LB) Koa Misi (knee)
- (WR) Mike Wallace (hamstring)
- (CB) Dimitri Patterson (groin)
- (RB) Daniel Thomas (ankle)
Full Participation in Practice
- (P) Brandon Fields (shoulder)
- (LB) Jelani Jenkins (illness)
- (TE) Michael Egnew (neck)
- (K) Caleb Sturgis (right groin)
- (T) Tyson Clabo (knee)
Chargers (Thursday) Injury Report Recap
Did Not Participate in Practice
- (RB) Le'Ron McClain (ankle)
- (C) Nick Hardwick (neck)
- (T) King Dunlap (neck)
- (WR) Eddie Royal (toe)
- (S) Jahleel Addae (ankle)
Limited Participation in Practice
- (RB) Ryan Mathews (hamstring)
- (DE) Lawrence Guy (toe)
- (LB) Jarret Johnson (hamstring)
Full Participation in Practice
- (T) Mike Remmers (ankle)
- (G) Chad Rinehart (toe)
- (LB) linebacker Manti Te'o (elbow)
Practice Reference Key:
- DNP: Did not participate in practice
- LP: Limited Participation in Practice - Less than 100 percent of a player's normal repetitions
- FP: Full Participation - 100 percent of a player's normal repetitions
- Out: Player will not play
- Not Listed: No practice status available
Game Status Reference Key:
- Out: Player will not play
- Doubtful: 25 percent chance a player will play
- Questionable: 50 percent chance a player will play
- Probable: 75 percent chance a player will play
For more Dolphins news and updates, visit Dolphins Central.
Abe Gutierrez is a criminal justice admin whose love for sports led him to become a writer and editor. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com and its partners. His work can be found on Examiner.com. .
