Cameron Wake Injury: Updates on Dolphins Star's Achilles and Return

Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake has been a durable player since entering the NFL in 2009, but the 33-year-old veteran was carted off and suffered a torn Achilles in Thursday's matchup against the New England Patriots and is out for the season.

Continue for updates.

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Wake Placed on IR

Saturday, Oct. 31

Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reported Wake has been place on the injured reserve, ending his season.

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Wake's Absence Will Rob Dolphins of Top Pass-Rusher

The Dolphins had a strong defense last season due largely to the presence of Wake and Olivier Vernon, but it got even better when they signed all-world defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh away from the Detroit Lions.

That took some of the spotlight off Wake, but Suh was quick to make it clear that the former Canadian Football League standout is still the main man, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald:

It is difficult to argue with that notion, as Wake has been among the NFL's elite pass-rushers since 2010. He has made four Pro Bowls and has been named to the All-Pro team once over the past five seasons. He also entered the 2015 campaign with 63 career sacks.   

Wake has gained the respect of his teammates as well as opponents over the years. Among them is Damien Woody, a current ESPN analyst and former New England Patriots, Detroit Lions and New York Jets offensive lineman, per ESPN.com's James Walker.

"My time with the Jets, going up against that guy twice a year, that guy made me earn every check," Woody said. "He's probably the toughest pass-rusher that I've ever gone against. He's strong as an ox, he can bend and do it all. I give a lot of kudos to Cameron Wake."

Wake's toughness can be measured in many ways, including his ability to avoid injuries and play through pain. Up to this point, Wake has missed just three games over his six-plus-year NFL career, which is notable considering how much time he spends in the trenches.

He is as reliable as they come in terms of both production and durability, so seeing Wake on the shelf in any capacity is surprising and likely tough for his teammates to overcome.

Miami doesn't have much in the way of depth at the defensive end position, so look for the likes of Vernon and Suh to assume greater responsibility in their pass-rushing roles with Wake out. 

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