The Miami Dolphins’ lack of depth is starting to get tested, but you’d never know it based on the product the team has fielded over the last two weeks. Miami is playing tough, scrappy football — they’re never going to blow anyone out but they’ve very much embraced the “next man up” mentality on both sides of the football.
There may be a few men up next this week against the Buffalo Bills — because the Dolphins’ injury report for Week 11 against Buffalo is extensive. And that’s putting it mildly.
All things considered, it is a win for the Dolphins to see just one confirmed player out in CB Ken Webster. And after several weeks of inactivity, the expectation for both DE Avery Moss and S Reshad Jones is that they’ll both dress and be ready to go this week against Buffalo.
But there are some important Dolphins included on this report, several of which would be killer losses for Miami in their hopes to secure a third consecutive win. Among them is LB Raekwon McMillan, who was limited all week at practice and is formally a game-time decision. So, too, is DE Taco Charlton, Miami’s sack leader through nine games this season.
And with offensive absences like WR Preston Williams (ACL) and RB Mark Walton (suspension), the Dolphins are strained on both sides of the ball. No NFL game is easy — but being stretched this thin with injuries after already having a roster devoid of talent is a pretty brutal development. In order to absorb the blow, Miami must continue to do the little things right: tackle, protect the ball, don’t get penalties and stay ahead of the chains.
How effective will they be in doing so with the “next man up”? We’ll find out tomorrow.
