oh i dont remember ever feeling this good about the dolphins :plain

 

 

Dolphins' Tim Bowens not ruled out for Sunday

 

By Craig Barnes and Alex Marvez

Staff Writers

Posted September 17 2004

 

DAVIE ? Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens participated in his first regular-season practice Thursday and has not been ruled out for Sunday night's game at Cincinnati.

 

However, starting cornerback Patrick Surtain (groin) and backup Reggie Howard (hamstring) both missed at least some of Thursday's 11-on-11 session. If Surtain, who is listed as questionable, and Howard (probable) are unable to play, rookie cornerback Will Poole will likely make his first NFL start.

 

Bowens, who was plagued by a back injury throughout the preseason, remains listed as doubtful. But his return would provide a boost to a defense that allowed 182 rushing yards in last Saturday's 17-7 loss to Tennessee, including runs of 52 and 26 yards that led to 10 Titans points.

 

"We need Tim in there," middle linebacker Zach Thomas said. "He clogs the hole and slows down the run."

 

Asked whether he was holding out hope Bowens would play, Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said, "I hold out hope for anybody who has not been ruled out. We'll have to see how he does [today]."

 

Jeff Zgonina and Bryan Robinson are expected to split snaps at defensive tackle if Bowens can't play. Robinson, though, admits he is struggling with his conditioning in South Florida's humidity since being signed 10 days ago following his release by Chicago.

 

HENRY MAY GET CALL

 

Because of injury problems at tailback, the Dolphins are expected to promote Leonard Henry from the developmental squad to the 53-man roster before playing Cincinnati.

 

New starter Lamar Gordon is currently the only healthy tailback entering the Bengals game. Travis Minor (ankle) was ruled out for Sunday's game while backup Sammy Morris (ankle) was downgraded from questionable to doubtful. Henry was released last week to create a roster space for Gordon and later re-signed to the developmental squad.

 

Right tackle John St. Clair, who sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter against Tennessee, practiced in the entire 11-on-11 session and should start Sunday.

 

Fullback Rob Konrad (infection) didn't practice Thursday and won't play against Cincinnati, while left tackle Wade Smith missed the session because his wife, Chareta, gave birth to a girl named Arissa.

 

DOLPHINS WANT THEIR MONEY

 

Arbitrator Richard Bloch will hear arguments from the NFL and NFL Players Association in Miami on Tuesday regarding a grievance filed by the Dolphins demanding retired tailback Ricky Williams repay $8.6 million in salary.

 

The Dolphins are trying to recoup the money under provisions Williams and agent Leigh Steinberg agreed to when signing a contract extension in 2002. Attorney Richard Berthelsen will argue for the NFLPA on behalf of Williams, who has told friends he may file bankruptcy to avoid repayment.

 

Copyright ? 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

I really hope Surtain and/or Howard can play.