This is a short week for the Miami Dolphins and many other teams in the NFL.  The Dolphins returned to the practice field today and welcomed back their All-Pro left tackle, Jake Long.  Long missed the Dolphins game on Sunday against the Bills after his back flared up on the flight from Miami to Buffalo.  It should be noted that in Long’s absence, John Jerry, last year’s 3rd round draft pick, played well at the LT position.  He’s not Jake Long, but Jerry showed improvement.  This is especially impressive because Jerry had been practicing at right guard and only switched to left tackle last week.

My opinion, is that IF Jake Long can return, John Jerry should be moved to RT and Marc Colombo should be benched.  Why not see if Jerry can hack it at RT, for next year?  AND, Jake Long should only be on the football field if he is 100% healthy.  Why risk further injury to your best player, when your team is out of playoff contention?   The only reason that Jake Long should be out on the field is if he is healthy, case closed.

The Dolphins also added Koa Misi to their injured reserve list, ending his season.  Misi finishes his 2011 Dolphins season with 34 tackles and 1 sack.  Misi’s departure probably means that Jason Taylor will see an increased role in the Dolphins game plan.  With the open roster spot, the Dolphins added Pat Devlin, QB Delaware.  Devlin isn’t likely to play, but moving him to the active roster prevents another team from poaching him, possibly for next year.

With the extra practice squad slot available, the Dolphins signed McLeod Bethel-Thompson (6-4, 230 lbs), formally of the Arena League’s San Jose Sabrecats.  Bethel-Thompson went to college at Sacramento State, a perennial football powerhouse.  If you can name the Sacramento State mascot without looking it up…..you need a new hobby!  It’s the Hornets, by the way.  You all may laugh at the signing (I did), but you never know, right?

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