A Closer Look at Miami Dolphins' Potential Injury Replacements
The Miami Dolphins were unable to complete their bid for victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 12, falling 39-36. Losing a close game can be painful to experience, but the Dolphins also fell victim to the injury bug, which could further impact Miami’s season more than one loss.
Miami had evaded major injuries for the better part of the last two seasons until left tackle Branden Albert suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions. Since then, it seems the Dolphins cannot stay healthy for an entire game.
Just against the Broncos, Miami rotated their starting left guard Daryn Colledge out of the game twice for backup Shelley Smith, had to play Jason Fox at left tackle and played two rookie cornerbacks despite being in a tight game against Peyton Manning. The Dolphins’ depth is being pushed to its limit as the season winds down.
With more information available now, it seems Miami may have avoided more critical, season-ending injuries to key players. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Ja’Wuan James did not suffer an injury that should keep him out of the lineup moving forward.
"Ja'Wuan James(stinger) said he could have played in second half yesterday but coaches opted not to use him,concerned injury would affect him
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 24, 2014"
James is possibly the second most valuable player on the Dolphins’ offense, so having him on the field is a major bonus because of his effectiveness and reliability. The Dolphins’ running and passing attack each greatly benefit from his presence.
But if James has a setback, or if cornerbacks Jamar Taylor and Cortland Finnegan cannot get back on the field quickly, who can Miami turn to and what can be expected? On the next few slides, we’ll look at Miami’s best alternatives behind starters that have missed time due to injuries.
Dion Sims Making Strides
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In Charles Clay’s absence due to hamstring and knee injuries, second-year tight end Dion Sims played well as a blocker and receiver against Denver. Sims will never be confused for a natural pass-catcher like Clay, but his combination of size and blocking ability makes him the best player to replace Clay in the short term.
Sims doesn’t have great hands or enough speed to be featured often in the offense, so don’t expect similar production to what Clay can offer. He’s just not that dynamic of an athlete or playmaker. But for one or two games, he can fill in.
Although Clay hasn’t been as consistent as he was in 2013, he’s by far the best receiving threat on Miami’s tight end depth chart. He’s a tough player to replace, which is credit to Clay and his skills.
A Rookie Transitioning Back
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When the Miami Dolphins selected Walt Aikens in the fourth round of the 2014 draft, he projected as a physical cornerback that although raw, had a sky-high ceiling once he learned to refine his footwork. Dolphins’ coaches saw things differently; moving him to safety in training camp to help shore up the depth while Reshad Jones was suspended.
After a shoulder injury to Jamar Taylor in the third quarter against the Broncos, Aikens found himself at cornerback for the first team in his NFL career. He allowed one completion, which is understandable considering he was a developmental player taken to effectively “redshirt” in 2014.
The good news for Miami is that Taylor does not seem to be as hurt as originally expected. According to Chris Perkins of the Sun-Sentinel, Taylor is day-to-day. As Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald mentioned, Taylor wants to play sooner rather than later.
"Tests on Jamar Taylor's separated shoulder revealed no structural damage. Wants to return to field very quickly,but Fins might be cautious.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 24, 2014"
Jalil Brown Could Capitalize on a Second Chance
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Miami had a deep cornerback group in the preseason as they were at full health. Injuries to Cortland Finnegan, Taylor and Will Davis quickly destroyed that depth in a matter of three weeks, so Miami brought back Jalil Brown.
Brown was one of the final cuts for the Dolphins’ coaching staff after a solid preseason and training camp showing. He was inactive against the Broncos, but now that he’s been back with the team for another week, he should be called upon if Miami doesn’t get Finnegan back this week.
Finnegan has been a good story for the Dolphins’ defense after he struggled to be a good player with the Rams in the last couple of years. His veteran presence and reliability have allowed youngsters like Taylor to continue focusing on practice and learning in the film room.
But Finnegan may not play again in Week 13, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald mentioned on Monday. “Cortland Finnegan could return this week from an ankle injury, but that remains to be seen, as well.”
Compared to rookie Lowell Rose, who was quickly benched for Walt Aikens after a series, Brown is a better option should Finnegan be unable to play.
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Shelley Smith Should Start
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The reasons for why Daryn Colledge is still starting over Shelley Smith are dwindling, if even present. That’s not meant to disparage Colledge as it may sound, but rather Smith has been the best guard Miami has played in 2014.
Miami originally started Colledge, but benched him for Smith in the second quarter, and the running game took off. The third quarter saw a return to Colledge and again the running game declined in comparison.
Smith is comparable as a pass-blocker to Colledge, but he is a much better creator in the run game. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Smith didn’t give up a quarterback pressure Sunday, whereas Colledge did allow one in comparable snaps.
The Dolphins’ offense must be balanced and continue to be productive running the ball, so Smith should be the starter. For now, he’s the top option should Colledge be unable to start.
Jason Fox Plays Well in Relief
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As mentioned earlier, Ja’Wuan James should be back to play against the Jets on Monday night. His shoulder stinger is not an ailment that lasts longer than a day. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald confirmed James was willing to play through the injury on Sunday.
Ja’Wuan James, who played just 22 of Miami’s 62 snaps, said he could have come back But the Dolphins didn't believe he would have enough strength.
With James out, Miami was down to its fourth offensive tackle in Jason Fox. For a backup playing against a solid Broncos defense, he performed quite well. He allowed just one hurry on Ryan Tannehill in 40 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
All stats used are from sports-reference.com.
Ian Wharton is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, contributor for Optimum Scouting, and analyst for eDraft.
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