Dion Jordan back on the practice field and making a good impression

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
Dion Jordan returned to the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, October 21 and from all indications, he made a great first impression after being away from the team since the end of the last preseason game on August 28 due to his two separate PED and substance abuse suspensions. While it’s not yet known for sure if Jordan will play on Sunday, all signs at this time are pointing in the right directions.

“He looked good. He really did,” Joe Philbin said. “I talked to him a little bit toward the end of practice and asked him how his legs feel and he said they felt good. (We’ll) probably know a little more tomorrow when he comes in and wakes up, and see how he feels tomorrow. My initial reaction was he moved well.”

Philbin said that there will be numerous things he looks at before deciding whether or not to activate him for Sunday’s game – both mentally and physically.

“Well, there’s a couple of things. Obviously, there’s a physical component of it and then the mental – is he up to speed enough on the game plans? Does he understand his role well enough? Are we comfortable with the amount of repetitions that we’ve been able to give him in a short period of time, that he can go out and play with confidence and execute the job that he has to do. There’s certainly a physical aspect, but then there’s that mental part, too. We’ll look at everything. Obviously, we’re going to look at every single thing and dress the guys we think are going to give us the best chance. Everything counts. Everything matters.”

With two suspensions already under Jordan’s belt, one more would trigger a year-long suspension. Philbin said that he has talked to Jordan about it and believes that Jordan understands the message now and has turned the corner in terms of maturing and understanding what the NFL and being a professional is all about.

“We’ve talked numerous times. It’s about looking forward and moving forward in all aspects, professionally, personally. He’s a bright guy. He’s an intelligent person. We’ve been really focused on the future and some of the things in the past we can’t change. We’ve got to turn our attention to what’s on the horizon for him, as a person, a player, a human being. (I’m) looking for him to do some great things. I’m excited about having him back.”

If Jordan can prove that he is in great shape and can handle all the various rigors of practice, improving his play and then understanding the game-plan, we should see him suit on Sunday and get in the game, while shaking off the rust for the home stretch of the season.