Injury to Dolphins CB Marshall causes ripple effect
Miami Dolphins cornerback Richard Marshall was ruled out of Sunday's game at the Cincinnati Bengals with a back injury he has been dealing with for two weeks.
Nolan Carroll, the team's third best cornerback, has been nursing an Achilles injury that has hindered his play and practice participation, although he was listed as probably Friday. And Jimmy Wilson, a cornerback Miami converted to safety this offseason, has been forced to switch back because of the team's need.
To compensate for all of the injuries, the Dolphins promoted cornerback De'Andre Presley from the practice squad, and he might have to play on Sunday.
Marshall, 31, has committed a team-high four penalties and was torched on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Kolb to Andre Roberts in last Sunday's loss to the Cardinals. There's concern his back injury has been impacting his play.
The Dolphins have been working R.J. Stanford into the cornerback mix because of Marshall's absence, and the unit's lack of productivity.
Stanford, whom the Dolphins claimed off the waiver wire last month, played 13 games for the Panthers last season, contributing eight tackles and one interception. The coaches are hoping he could help the unit tighten up.
"He has been diligent assignment wise, scheme wise. I think he has made a good contribution so far," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said. "Obviously he doesn't have a lot of reps in the games but I think he's making progress, picking up the scheme, understanding what we're asking in the job requirements of the position. I like his development."
