Dolphins won’t change preparations if Jamaal Charles can’t play

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
One of the bigger storylines this week heading into Sunday’s game is whether or not Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles will play on Sunday. Charles, who was injured in last week’s loss against the Denver Broncos, has only rushed for 23 yards on 9 carries this year. On the receiving end, he has caught 4 passes for 15 yards. Don’t let that fool you though – Charles is an elite running back who can have a monster game any week of the NFL season.

However, with a high ankle sprain, it’s looking like Charles won’t be able to play on Sunday and instead, Knile Davis will get the start and the majority of snaps at running back. However, that’s not going to change the way the Dolphins prepare for Sunday’s game.

“Whoever has the ball, you have to put them on the ground. I don’t care if it’s Jamaal Charles, Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, it doesn’t matter,” Cameron Wake said. “In the NFL, every person who steps on that field is going to be the best in the world and that is the situation every time you play. So whether he plays or not, hopefully he is able to, if not, then I am sure the guy that is behind him, just like we have in our locker room, the guy that is behind him, is ready and able.”

Olivier Vernon believes that Davis can be just as good as Charles. While that might seem outlandish, keep in mind that Davis rushed for 79 yards last week on 22 carries with 2 touchdowns. He averaged 3.6 yards per rush and added 6 receptions to his stat sheet as well.

“They’ve got another running back, number 34. He’s pretty good, just as good.”

Regardless of who is back there, the Dolphins will need to work to shut them down and force Alex Smith to beat them in the air. If they go in with that mindset, they could have a successful day while adding a win to their record.

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