The Dolphins and Browns kickoff about two hours from now. Until then, this will be the pre-game thread. All of the relevant pre-game news will be posted here. Our game thread will be up 15 minutes before kickoff.
Weekly Inactives
The big news today is that wide receiver Brandon Marshall is out for the second straight week with his hamstring injury. He practiced on a limited basis all week. But the Dolphins clearly felt more comfortable giving him an extra week off. Hopefully this means he'll be close to 100% next week for their big game in Jersey against the Jets.
As expected, linebacker Channing Crowder and cornerback Al Harris are both out today as well. Neither participated much this week in practice and both were listed as doubtful for today's game.
In an unexpected development, defensive end Phillip Merling is active. Seems like a risk to me, keeping both Ryan Baker and Chris Baker out of today's game to make room for Merling, who was reportedly a little out of shape this week after being activated back onto the 53 man roster. But Merling will make his season debut just months after blowing out his Achilles just before training camp.
The full list of inactives is as follows: WR Brandon Marshall, LB Channing Crowder, CB Al Harris, OT Matt Kopa, OC Eric Ghiaciuc, DE Ryan Baker, NT Chris Baker and TE Mickey Shuler.
Starting Lineup News
With Crowder unable to play, Tim Dobbins will get the start at inside linebacker next to Karlos Dansby. As for receiver, Davone Bess and Brian Hartline will be the starting receivers just as they were last week.
It's also being reported that Pat McQuistan will start at right guard in place of John Jerry. Jerry has been inconsistent. Is McQuistan an upgrade, though?
Weather Update
It should be a perfect afternoon for some football. Sunny skies and 76 degrees with winds around 10 to 12 mph.
Matty's Key Player
I'm looking at you, Paul Soliai. The Browns are going to try and run the football and 60% of their runs are up the middle. Miami's big nose tackle is going to be tested today. He has got to do his best to take on two blockers consistently, freeing up Dansby and company to swarm Peyton Hillis.
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