*** DOLPHINS TRAINING CAMP ***
Jul 19, 1997: -- Day 9 - July 18th --
TODAY'S REPORT:
The Dolphins had another serious injury on Friday, as
linebacker Larry Izzo ruptured his achilles tendon while running
agility drills on the field. This injury will require surgery and
means that Izzo will be out for the year.
Izzo was simply running between the pylons when his achilles
tendon gave way. He was not touched by anyone. This injury is similar
to the one that Marino suffered in the 1993 season.
Izzo's loss, combined with the loss of Dar Dar, seriously
depletes the Dolphins' special teams. Last year, Izzo and Dar Dar were
two of the most effective players that the Dolphins' had on special
teams.
However, practice continued as usual and some players were able
to take advantage of others' absence. With Troy Drayton briefly out of
the lineup this week, rookie tight end Ed Perry got a chance to impress
JJ with his abilities. JJ said that Perry is a pleasant surprise.
Also, WR Brian Manning continues to impress coaches with his
athleticism and speed in drills. And Charles Jordan is doing his best
to convince coaches that he can be the deep threat that the Dolphin
need. During passing drills, Jordan went up and stole the ball out of
the grasp of cornerback Tim Jacobs.
TODAY'S EVENTS:
Today is the big scrimmage at 1:00 PM, in the Orange Bowl
INJURY REPORTS:
Other than the big injuries to Dar Dar, Izzo and Yatil Green,
all the Dolphins practiced Friday.
EYEWITNESS REPORTS:
Sorry, none today.
My Comments:
As they say, when it rains, it pours. Izzo's injury worries me
more than Green's because Izzo was such an integral part of the special
teams last year. Izzo partially blocked 3 punts and ran for a first
down on a fake punt that kept a drive alive against Houston.
Dar Dar and Izzo together accounted for a good portion of the
special teams tackles and adequate replacements for them will have to
be found among the rookies.
I said earlier in the year that I thought that Brian Manning
might be the biggest surprise on offense among the rookies. It looks,
right now, as if Manning is trying to fulfil my prophecy, but he's
getting stiff competition from Ed Perry as the biggest offensive
surprise. It's always good when rookies play better than expected.
As for the scrimmage tomorrow, that should prove to be
interesting, but remember that it's just a scrimmage. The coaches will
be looking more to see how the rookies and new players perform than how
the veterans play.
If anyone get's to see it, I would love to hear their thoughts
or get a report on it.
Related Info:
[Return to Training Camp]
Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New England
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