Dolphins Injury Updates

by David Dwork on Jan 1, 2009 11:28 PM EST

Injures will not be an excuse for the Dolphins as they gear up for their Divisional Playoff match-up with the Ravens on Sunday. TE David Martin and DL Randy Starks both returned to practice Thursday after missing the past few days.

Martin had been having headaches early this week after injuring his neck and head during last Sunday’s win in New York. He was very eager to return to practice, and is pushing for the first significant playoff action in his career. He was a member of the Packers 03/04 Playoff teams, but had no catches or any meaningful minutes, as the Pack lost in the 1st round both years.

Starks’ injury was not as serious; he just needed a few days off to nurse a sprained ankle. His presence in the lineup will be imperative for the Dolphins, as they will need all of their resources on defense to stop the Ravens running game.

OTHER NOTES

Patrick Cobbs seems to have replaced Ted Ginn Jr. as the teams premier kick returner. Ginn returning to his KR duties helped spark his resurgence in the receiving game, but now the Fins need instant production that Cobbs can provide. He seems to be quicker at hitting the holes and in my opinion makes better overall decisions. Cobbs have been averaging 23.6 yards per return, slightly better then Ginn’s 20.5.

Chad Pennington lead the NFL in completion percentage, completing 67.4% of his passes this season.

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Martins injury,

was very unfortunate. I guess I can understand the Cobbs Ginn switch but if i was head coach I wouldn’t have done that. Sweet!!! Pennington leads league in completion. God I love him.

The Phins are awesome. Period.

by Phinsguy99 on Jan 1, 2009 11:32 PM EST reply actions

Martin looked out of it...

On his Aquavision interview but I’ve also never seen an interview of him, and maybe he just always seems like hes high.

But its good that he’ll be ready, he was great against the Ravens last time.

The Phins Report

by yboord028 on Jan 2, 2009 12:12 AM EST reply actions

I hope they handle David Martin well.

Concussions are not something to be messed around with. Heard some pretty scary things at a couple ‘player safety symposium’s’ we attend to coach in the youth league, and even if he says he’s feeling fine damage may still be there. Hopefully it wasn’t a serious thing and he’s fine, but concussions always make me nervous.

As far as Cobbs replacing Ginn, I think it was a move that needed to be made for field position purposes. Cobbs is more decisive in the way that once he sees a gap he goes, where Ginn was trying to find a BIG gap to take it all the way to the house. Cobbs will be more consistent but not nearly as electrifying, which is basically what this team is all about. I liked the move, because we weren’t in dire need of special teams TD’s, just good field position for our ball-control offense to go to work.

"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"

by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 2, 2009 12:24 AM EST reply actions

agree on both counts

For Martin- so far this regime has given us no reasons to think they wouldn’t make the right decision for the team or the players. If Martin was in any danger, im sure they wouldn’t take the chance. Remember, we still have Martin signed up for another year.

As for Cobbs, i think you hit the nail right on the head Nicky. We dont need the flashy returns that once in a while merit some amazingness, we need the consistently good field position and solid decision making. As we all remember, special teams and field position have hurt us in the past, but that is where it has stayed since Johnny Lee Higgins. I dont hesitate to say that b/c i think that return TD was the kick in the anus this team needed. Other then a couple so-so kick-off coverages, we have been great on special teams since that extremely scary moment. But hey, it showed us that our offense has the ability to come right back in the late stages of a game and make a drive when its counts.

Is it Sunday yet? Jeez…..

"South Florida Sports Are My Life."

by David Dwork on Jan 2, 2009 2:14 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah...

My brother had one after sustaining so many hit as an OT, It really does screw with your mind. The only real thing you can do is rest for it. But apparently it was a very mild concussion for Martin because if hes already got the a-ok to practice it must of not been that bad.

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by yboord028 on Jan 2, 2009 2:54 AM EST up reply actions

Sparano Says

Cobbs is used in worse weather conditions, because of his ability and shorter stature and quick steps. Compared to Ginn who is a longer strider and straight ahead guy other than quick cuts which in the wind and frozen feilds are not positives.

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Jan 2, 2009 8:51 AM EST reply actions