Mike Wallace expected to play

Chandler Jones (95) tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Dolphins 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins added high-priced wide receiver Mike Wallace to their injury report on Thursday with a hamstring injury, and that created some minor concern regarding Wallace’s status. He was, however, able to practice yesterday, and that went a long way in reassuring many of Wallace’s status for this week’s big game against the San Diego Chargers. Now, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson is reporting that Mike Wallace is expected to play tomorrow.

Per Jackson, Wallace will play barring a setback, so that’s definitely great news for the Dolphins. The Chargers biggest weakness is their pass defense, which has been absolutely atrocious this season. Eric Weddle is an elite safety, but Shareece Wright and Derek Cox have struggled mightily at corner. Cox’s struggles have been especially concerning, because he was signed to a significant contract this past offseason with the goal in mind being that Cox would be the team’s No. 1 corner. He was definitely a solid player with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he’s turned into a disappointing free-agent bust early on in his career for San Diego (to be honest with you, I have no idea why he’s been burned so frequently).

Whereas Cox seemed like a safe signing in free agency, the Dolphins decision to add Wallace was definitely a gamble. The speed demon hasn’t been quite the playmaker the Dolphins have envisioned, especially since he hasn’t hauled in nearly as many deep passes as expected. Drops are usually an issue with the inconsistent-but-talented 27-year-old, but he still has produced this season with 40 receptions for nearly 500 yards. Wallace should be able to have a monster game against the Chargers tomorrow afternoon, and he should surpass his solid average of 55 yards per game tomorrow.

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