While players want to return to the field, coaches have to be cautious

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
The Miami Dolphins will have an influx of players returning on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers with Reshad Jones, Mike Pouncey and Koa Misi all but guaranteed to play. In addition, Knowshon Moreno remains a possibility along with offensive lineman Shelley Smith. 


While all of them want to play, the coaching staff has to be cautious with how quick and how much they throw at them in their first game back.

“You just want to get these guys up to speed as quick as you possibly can,” Joe Philbin said. “Some of them have been out this long, some of them have been out that long, some have looked great and some not so much. We just have to take it one day at a time and see where they are and how much they can be utilized potentially in a ball game. It really is a day-by-day thing with those kinds of players.”

On the other side of the spectrum, offensive lineman Daryn Colledge says that the return of these players will add an extra spark of energy to the team.

“Yeah, it feels like we’re bringing in a lot of quality guys that have missed a lot of time. I think everybody was worried about what happens when you lose that much talent, but I feel like the guys that have replaced those guys have done a good job and continue to play at a high level. So bringing those guys back just picks this team up in all phases, offense, defense and special teams.”

As the week goes on and the Dolphins practice more, we’ll find out how they are holding up with their bodies but hopefully, they will all be ready to go 100% on Sunday.

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