Sports Buzz Wednesday 8-20

[gafin]

## Tough break for rookie safety Walt Aikens, who had been coming on strong before a left hand injury in practice this week. Though a firm timetable hasn’t been established, he’s out indefinitely. With Aikens out, Don Jones moved up to the second team at safety, alongside Michael Thomas.

Jones, Thomas, Jordan Kovacs and Jalil Brown appear to be fighting for at least two roster spots. Thomas has had a good camp and appears to have a good chance of sticking. That is, unless the Dolphins find somebody they like better on waivers.

### The Dolphins and Dan Marino continue to talk about a potential role in the organization, and Marino has been visible recently.

On Wednesday, he attended practice for the second time in seven days. He spoke for at least 10 minutes with Joe Philbin and Dennis Hickey (separately) during practice, spent much of the rest of practice with Dawn Aponte and chatted with Cortland Finnegan and Reshad Jones and Brent Grimes during a break.

“He was here to observe and chat,” Joe Philbin said. “Great to have him here. I told him he’s always welcomed anytime.”

### Difficult to envision Brady Quinn making the team after throwing five interceptions over the past three days. He threw two picks today: one to Jamar Taylor and another that Jimmy Wilson returned for a touchdown.

The Dolphins seem likely to keep two quarterbacks and sign at least one for the practice squad --- perhaps Seth Lobato or recently released Pat Devlin.

### In Davone Bess, Dan Carpenter and Derrick Shelby, the Dolphins have had some success finding undrafted rookies who make the team and contribute. Who’s likely to be this year’s Bess?

We explore that in a story on the Herald’s sports home page, but Chris McCain appears to have the best chance. He had a sack on Matt Moore today and has flashed an interesting skill set and the versatility to play linebacker or defensive end.

Anthony Johnson, the undrafted LSU d-tackle, still has a decent chance to stick, but he missed some practice time this week with a shoulder injury.

Damien Williams, the undrafted Oklahoma running back, has just 22 yards on 17 carries in preseason but Joe Philbin blamed that largely on blocking. “These next two weeks for him are going to be very important,” Philbin said.

### On Wednesday, Knowshon Moreno looked the best he’s looked since returning from June knee surgery, scoring on a 15-yard run. “I feel good,’ he said.

He said the Dolphins want to see him practice Thursday before deciding whether he will play Saturday against Dallas. But Moreno says he’s ready. He said his conditioning is fine and that he’s at the weight he will play at.

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[teemu7]

Great to hear about knowshon

 

[cafinfan408]

Would be nice to see the entire starting O out there before week 1

 

[finfan54]

praying shelly smith is the answer at RG.

 

[PhinFan1968]

praying shelly smith is the answer at RG.

The book on him is average to below-average pass pro, great run blocking, compared to Jerry who was average to above-average pass pro, below average run blocking. Overall should be a notable upgrade.

 

[Trillfan]

The book on him is average to below-average pass pro, great run blocking, compared to Jerry who was average to above-average pass pro, below average run blocking. Overall should be a notable upgrade.

Agreed. And if there's a place to have a weakness on a football team, OG is as good as any.

 

[xXwarXx]

As long as the pass blocking is good it should open up the run game. At least in theory. And this unit was def assembled to specialize in pass blocking. This staff is putting there chips on tannehill to bring them to the promise land for sure.

 

[LANGER72]

Moreno should be eased back into action 4-5 carries. We are depending on him, let's not risk him until the bullets are flying for real.
McCain could start for wheeler right now. Ay least McCain has some upside.

 

[Wildbill3]

The book on him is average to below-average pass pro, great run blocking, compared to Jerry who was average to above-average pass pro, below average run blocking. Overall should be a notable upgrade.

well dallas Thomas sucked in all facits, so anything would be an improvement.