Dolphins center Mike Pouncey (illness) missed practice for the third consecutive day. It doesn’t appear likely that Pouncey will play Sunday against the Panthers. Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin usually doesn’t dress players who do not practice at all during the week. Pouncey also missed last week’s game against the San Diego Chargers.
Miami continues to stick with last week’s offensive line that includes Nate Garner at center and Sam Brenner in the starting lineup at guard. Both players did serviceable jobs in their new roles. Miami may have to stick with this combination for one more week.
Philbin was very active coaching special teams Friday in the portion of practice open to the media. The Panthers are a bad matchup for the Dolphins in a lot of ways. But good special teams play is one way Miami narrows the gap and perhaps pulls the upset.
Miami cornerback Dimitri Patterson (groin) dressed but didn’t do much in the early portion of practice. The Dolphins’ secondary isn’t as good without Patterson in the lineup. Miami will release its final injury report this afternoon.
