Miami Dolphins Injury Updates: Cameron Wake, Paul Soliai, Dimitri Patterson

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Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Miami Dolphins defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The 3-0 Miami Dolphins passed last week’s big-time NFC South test by upsetting the Atlanta Falcons, and they will look to knock off another playoff-caliber NFC South team on Monday Night Football this week in the New Orleans Saints. If the Dolphins can win, then they will be 4-0 and look like a very fearsome team overall.

The Dolphins have a few notable injuries on defense that they will need to work through, as Armando Salguerro of the Miami Herald writes that key starting defensive linemen Cameron Wake and Paul Soliai are both listed as questionable. Wake is the best player on the team, and the elite defensive end is one of the best pass rushers in the game. He sprained his MCL against the Falcons last week, but he could still play on Monday after putting in a limited practice today. Wake will be a game-time decision, and first-round rookie Dion Jordan will start for Wake if he is a no-go. The Miami Dolphins have excellent depth at defensive end, but losing a player the caliber of Wake always hurts.

Paul Soliai is a key defensive tackle on this defense with his ability to plug up holes and play the run at a high level, and he is also dealing with a knee injury. His chances of playing are lower than Wake’s, and Salguerro believes that Soliai, who is wearing a knee brace, is “unlikely” to play and could miss “up to four weeks”. While Soliai wants to play, it’s best to rest him this week, and it’s not feasible for the Dolphins to trot him out there.

Nolan Carroll will once again be starting for No. 2 cornerback Dimitri Patterson, as the Herald writes that the Miami Dolphins have officially ruled out Patterson for the Saints game. He is still dealing with a groin issue that has costed him the team’s last two games, and he hasn’t practiced for quite some time. Not only that, but there is also no indication as to when he will be back.

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