Monday Miami Dolphins practice report, update, roster talk

[datruth55]

Lots of news and notes today so let's get right to it.

Left tackle Branden Albert, the target of an erroneous ESPN report Saturday, admonished the media to not believe anything unless you "get it from the horse's mouth."

Albert said he is working with the starting unit in practice this week -- indeed, today -- for the first time since last November when he blew out his knee. ESPN reported Albert would not play until Week 3, but I reported that is not true and the Dolphins are still hopeful he can start in the opener against the Washington Redskins on Sept. 13.

"I only practiced twice last week. I've got a couple of more days of practice. We'll see in the next few weeks, next 13 days how well I'll be in shape to play.

"It's responding pretty well. I [haven't had] a setback yet and that's all that matters."

The news is not quite as rosy with receiver DeVante Parker. He said he is going through practice for the first time starting today, but he will only participate in individual drills.

Clearly, Parker may not be ready for the Sept. 13 opener considering there are only six more practices between now and that Washington game.

"I’m pretty anxious to get out there but you can’t do anything but be patient and wait until the time is right," Parker said.

Jason Fox returned to practice today after missing last week with a concussion. Indeed, the only player to sit out practice today was cornerback Jamar Taylor.

Mike Pouncey, who left Saturday's game with a sprained left knee, went for an MRI Sunday and it was negative. He's back at practice today.

The Dolphins must get down to the 53-man limit by Saturday at 4 p.m.

Here is what I'm hearing on that:

Undrafted rookie Zach Vigil is close to locking up a roster spot. Barring a total meltdown in practice and Thursday's preseason finale, Vigil is on this squad.

The Dolphins this year are likely to keep a couple of special teams specialists and I'm not talking about kicker, punter and long snapper. I'm talking core guys who will be on all the teams.

Right now Don Jones and Spencer Paysinger are on the team, barring a major meltdown in practice and the game Thursday evening. Interestingly, Jones missed much of training camp following shoulder surgery. But the kid is a special special teams contributor and he's healthy now so he makes the squad.

Read the rest here:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolp...phins-practice-report-update-roster-talk.html

 

[fininpsl]

As bad as some of the reserve safeties have looked, I have no problem with Don Jones making the team.

What are the rules regarding PUP??? Players miss the first six weeks correct? And if we put Parker on PUP can he still practice with the team in some capacity? I'd be inclined to go that route if he isn't going to be ready week 1 as deep as our WR corp is. It would allow us to keep an extra player at another position where we need more help in the early part of the season, and I'm hoping it would allow him a ton of full speed practice before being thrown into the mix.

 

[mrhankey81701]

I'm not too worried about Parker not being ready for week 1. He was only going to be our number 4 receiver anyway, and with the positive things I've seen and read about Matthews and Hazel, we can afford to bring him along slowly.

 

[Ruckus45]

Wrap the starters in bubble wrap until the Skins game and get the backups some much needed reps. The starters have looked more than capable to handle the first few games as of yet - no need to push our decent offseason luck. And this is coming from a guy who is usually a "let them play" kind of person.

 

[datruth55]

As bad as some of the reserve safeties have looked, I have no problem with Don Jones making the team.

What are the rules regarding PUP??? Players miss the first six weeks correct? And if we put Parker on PUP can he still practice with the team in some capacity? I'd be inclined to go that route if he isn't going to be ready week 1 as deep as our WR corp is. It would allow us to keep an extra player at another position where we need more help in the early part of the season, and I'm hoping it would allow him a ton of full speed practice before being thrown into the mix.

PUP means no practice. Miss first 6 weeks of the season and you get an extra roster spot. Parker will be ready before 6 weeks.

 

[spiketex]

Don Jones is no certainty to make the 53 man roster. He's in strong contention but Jordan Kovacs has had his best Training Camp and he's clearly improved. He's also been available 100%.

 

[Hayden Fox]

Mando keeps a lot of vested vets. I like those players too, but I wonder if that happens or not. Plus, I LOVE the idea of keeping special team dynamos. This team has chance to be special on special teams.

 

[xXwarXx]

Don Jones is no certainty to make the 53 man roster. He's in strong contention but Jordan Kovacs has had his best Training Camp and he's clearly improved. He's also been available 100%.

Has Kovacs really played well? I haven't heard much, but I don't take practice reports all that serious either.

Because Jones is far more athletic and is damn good on special teams. I'm giving the edge to Jones.

 

[fishfanmiami]

Cone was a special teams demon at Atl but I don't think he makes our team

 

[fininpsl]

PUP means no practice. Miss first 6 weeks of the season and you get an extra roster spot. Parker will be ready before 6 weeks.

Never mind then. He's practicing now. If he can't practice while on PUP then all that would do is allow his to get a little rusty.

---------- Post added at 02:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:50 PM ----------

Has Kovacs really played well? I haven't heard much, but I don't take practice reports all that serious either.

Because Jones is far more athletic and is damn good on special teams. I'm giving the edge to Jones.

Kovacs has been 2-3 steps late on most plays. Nice kid, but not really an NFL talent.

---------- Post added at 02:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 PM ----------

Cone was a special teams demon at Atl but I don't think he makes our team

They already cut Cone I thought.