Porter's season (and possibly career) in jeopardy?

by Matty I on Aug 25, 2008 10:51 PM EDT in News Comment 19 comments

There's some disturbing news coming out of Dolphins camp. Apparently, Joey Porter's recent back issues are severe enough that he could possibly miss the season - or even end his career.

On Monday, the Dolphins spent some practice time doing work for that opening game against the New York Jets. Porter was absent from practice. Again.

He was visiting a doctor -- again -- trying to get a fix on a mysterious back ailment that has him, and the team, fearing he's going to miss portions of this season, including the opener.

This is very bad news for Porter and the Dolphins. There's no question Joey wants to be out there and wants to contribute - and earn his hefty contract. But back issues are major problems for athletes.

So what have the Dolphins done while Porter is missing practice? Charlie Anderson has been working at weak-side linebacker, with Phillip Merling getting some work as his backup and potential replacement sometime down the road. But then you have to question if Merling is athletic enough to play standing up. He's a big guy, after all, and seems to lack that elite burst that the good pass-rushing outside linebackers need. Says Merling about the situation:

"I'm getting a reasonable amount [of work] with ends and linebackers. They said I might be going out there a little bit as a backup to learn the position. It's going pretty good. I'm learning from Joey and the coaches.''

So what do you think? How big of a loss would it be for Porter to miss games - or even the entire season? Can the Dolphins generate enough of a pass rush without him?

Hat tip to "Rzayo24" for posting about this in his FanPost.

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Comments

this seems familar (looks to the right)

Matty I im your “source”!!!

If he goes out for his career dont we get a huge insurance claim that makes the money a non factor? i bet Parcells wouldnt lose any sleep if that happened.

Its Sunday afternoon.....do you know where your beer is?

by Rzayo24 on Aug 25, 2008 11:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I just saw that

I’ll add a hat tip to you!!

The Phinsider: SBN's Miami Dolphins blog

by Matty I on Aug 25, 2008 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe BUT

his money still counts against the cap (and right now I think that is about 16 mil this year)

by W NY Fins Fan on Aug 26, 2008 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

link to this article

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/657578.html

Its Sunday afternoon.....do you know where your beer is?

by Rzayo24 on Aug 25, 2008 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

haha

its all good brotha….you take all the blame and get all the glory…your our quarterback. im just a special teams guy

Its Sunday afternoon.....do you know where your beer is?

by Rzayo24 on Aug 25, 2008 11:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

haha

love that analogy!

The Phinsider: SBN's Miami Dolphins blog

by Matty I on Aug 25, 2008 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seems like he's jumping the gun a bit.

There was nothing definate about his back being career ending or even missing the 1st game. Let the guy go to the doctor and then report the story. This article is a waste of time.

"If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good you did it. That's all it takes to get people to win football games for you."

Coach Paul Bear Bryant

by AussieKen on Aug 25, 2008 11:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Armando is a gun jumper

by gophish on Aug 26, 2008 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This Sucks

Joey looked good on Saturday night.

With all the stories of his physical improvements in the off-season I hoped he would have a big year.

Part of me agrees with AussieKen on this. That is unless he got scanned and there were some spinal damage that could potentially worsen with continued play.

Or maybe (he says with a delusional tone) it is a Patriotsesque smokescreen and Joey is absolutely fine.

I guess in the end it comes down to this: I like Peezy and I hope he’s alright.

www.thephinisher.com

by The Phinisher on Aug 25, 2008 11:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bye Bye Joey

Was a stud in Pittsburgh but another over-priced un-needed veteran signee on a team destined to pick high in the draft! But hey at least a ONCE GOOD PLAYER got one last big pay-day!-

Dave
http://www.eSellOut.com
Dolphins Tickets for the fan who needs odd #’s of tickets!

by esellout on Aug 26, 2008 12:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

well this sounds horrible

I mean i just wont know what to say then at this we lost are 3 big name starting linebackers in just one year…ONe zach thomas was realesd then jason taylor was traded in know this shit happens with joey porter,With all the money we spent on this guy….I belive that the inside is gonna be tooken caare of with crowder and akin buts thats about it….For some reason i expect more outta of the offense this year then the defense…..Kinda weird me sayen that for the dolphins but its true…But htis is just another reason for me sayen that next year should only be focused on the defense…

by lionel on Aug 26, 2008 1:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Joey Porter Cut?

at least put him on IR and free up a roster spot.

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Aug 26, 2008 1:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What would it take

for us to be off the hook for his gigantic contract? Or at least not count against the cap?

by Coolbean04 on Aug 26, 2008 1:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

he would have to be traded

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Aug 26, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Joey's ok

He’s just going to haveo give it some rest. I saw the video on MiamiDolphins.com. LOL! This guy went to the dr. listened to his prognosis and has no idea what’s wrong with his back LOL! Anyway, no worries mates. :)

"If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good you did it. That's all it takes to get people to win football games for you."

Coach Paul Bear Bryant

by AussieKen on Aug 26, 2008 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We don't need him.

It’ll be great if he’s healthy, but OLB is where we have the most depth (besides running back) thanks to Sparano. We don’t need him! Isn’t it great to be free rollin’ on a Joey Porter season?

by joel311 on Aug 26, 2008 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Insurance on players...

i will look into it but i am pretty sure when a player goes down with a CAREER ENDING injury (a doctor from the nfl must call it this)…then the team can cash in a claim and get allot of his money paid for every year….plus the money does not count against the cap. this is kinda like getting an extra yr in college due to injury..it isnt always approved.

Its Sunday afternoon.....do you know where your beer is?

by Rzayo24 on Aug 26, 2008 3:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs