STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
• Former 2009 seventh-round pick J.D. Folsom(notes) was re-signed to the practice squad for depth at inside linebacker. Folsom, released Sept. 4, spent time on the practice squads of the Bears, Buccaneers and Cardinals after the Dolphins told him he “wasn’t heavy enough” for the position at 230 pounds, which he still weighs.
Another inside linebacker, Micah Johnson(notes), was released off the practice squad after 12 weeks and replaced by West Virginia product Mortty Ivy(notes), a former all-Big East selection.
Player Notes
• WR Brandon Marshall(notes) returned to practice on a limited basis after missing the past two weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in a Nov. 18 loss to the Bears. Marshall ran without a noticeable limp during the portion of practice open to the media, but it’s unclear if he’ll avoid missing consecutive games for the first time in his career.
• DE Phillip Merling(notes) reported no issues with his surgically repaired left Achilles tendon after practicing fully upon his return to the 53-man roster. Merling expressed optimism he could return to the game-day roster as soon as Sunday against the Browns, although that still seems unlikely.
• ILB Karlos Dansby(notes) (toe/wrist) was limited in practice after being featured mainly on obvious passing downs in Oakland after suffering a setback late last week.
• LT Jake Long(notes) was listed on the official injury report with a knee injury, which didn’t keep him from practicing fully. No mention of the torn labrum in his left shoulder, which had jeopardized his consecutive game streak during the short week leading up to the Nov. 18 Bears game.
• S Reshad Jones(notes), who missed the Raiders game with a shin injury, was back practicing fully despite what was listed as an ankle issue.
Game Plan:
As they prepare to face the NFL’s 21st-ranked rushing defense, one that was missing five key contributors from Wednesday’s practice, the Dolphins are privately hoping to emulate their 186-yard rushing breakthrough from Sunday’s win at Oakland.
“That’s my kind of party!” Sparano told the Dolphins in the winning locker room after a 49-carry afternoon.
Matchups To Watch:
Dolphins OLB Cameron Wake(notes), who ranks second in the NFL with 10.5 sacks, vs. Browns LT Joe Thomas(notes). Thomas is a three-time Pro Bowler who has made 59 straight starts and hasn’t missed an offensive snap since entering the league as the No. 3 overall pick in 2007.
Browns RB Peyton Hillis(notes), a 250-pound wrecking ball, vs. Dolphins run defense, which is ranked 14th in the league, even after holding the Raiders to 16 rushing yards on Sunday.
Injury Impact:
Inside linebacker Channing Crowder(notes) missed Wednesday’s practice with a left knee injury. Tim Dobbins, who had a team-high six tackles against the Raiders, took Crowder’s practice reps alongside Karlos Dansby (toe/wrist), who was limited.
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