DAVIE, FLA– After having the weekend off to get the stink off of last Thursday’s 36-7 lost to the New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins returned to practice on Monday. The team is preparing this week to take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park.
Last week, the Bills had a bye week after they played their previous game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After having the weekend off, the Dolphins players are no longer thinking about their loss to the Patriots but are looking ahead towards the Bills.
Miami will have revenge on their mind as Buffalo destroyed them 41-14 in the Dolphins’ season opener at Sun Life Stadium. It will be even tougher for the Dolphins this time since they have injuries to deal with.
Ja’Wuan James is out a reportedly 4-6 weeks with a foot injury. Jason Fox will start at right tackle in James’ place. Center Mike Pouncey believes Fox will do a solid job.
“Jason (Fox) is going to do a good job filling in for Ja’Wuan,” said Pouncey. “Obviously when you lose a starter, there is always a little bit in your head because he doesn’t get that many reps when the season starts. Jason is fortunate to have those reps with Branden going down and all of our trust is in him.”
The Dolphins will also have to attempt to defeat the Bills without long-time defensive end Cameron Wake. The four-time Pro Bowler tore his Achilles against the Patriots and is out for the season. Receiver Jarvis Landry knows it is a big loss, but he feels like it’s next man up.
“Him (Wake) being a Pro Bowl guy and someone that can change the game for you, it is a big loss,” said Landry. “There’s the opportunity for other guys to step up.”
The player that will have to step up is fourth-year defensive end Derrick Shelby. This season, he has just 11 tackles and zero sacks. The Dolphins will also get some help from Terrence Fede.
“Shelby is one of those guys that we’re fortunate to have,” said head coach Dan Campbell. “He’s every bit of a starter for us as a rotation type player, so you couldn’t ask really for a better guy to come in and fill in for (Cameron) Wake. Shelby is one of those guys who he is fundamentally sound and he’s an explosive athlete. He’s not the speed rusher that Cam (Cameron Wake) is, but he’s going to go in there and do a nice job for us.”
Other Dolphins News
*Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker did not practice on Monday because of a foot injury he suffered against the Patriots. The rookie told reporters after practice that he is fine and he is just dealing with some “scar tissue.” Parker, who had foot surgery last June, is scheduled to return to practice later this week.
*Backup quarterback Matt Moore missed practice on Monday because had surgery to fix a broken nose he suffered a couple of weeks ago.
“He’s been out there with a broken nose for almost two weeks and so Friday was the best time to get it done,” said Campbell. “He had it done. It won’t be an issue. He’ll be ready to go Wednesday.”
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