BY SEAN DONOVAN
The Miami Dolphins knew No. 3 overall pick defensive end Dion Jordan had shoulder issues his senior year in college when they drafted him.
They didn't expect that injury to threaten his availability in his first year in the pros.
According to the Miami Herald, Jordan has still yet to return to practice since aggravating the injury during Miami's second preseason game three weeks ago and is highly unlikely to play Thursday, when the team hosts the New Orleans Saints in its final exhibition before the regular season.
Last week, Jordan told reporters that it "wouldn't be a surprise at all" if the lingering effects of a labrum tear suffered during his final year at Oregon caused him to miss the Dolphins' season opener in Cleveland on Sept. 9.
As of last week, his coaches expressed optimism that Jordan would be able to rejoin his teammates by that date, but certainly acknowledged the possibility they'd have to make due without the athletic defensive end.
"If he stays on target with what we're hearing and what we're seeing, he'll be ready to help us come opening day," defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said. "If not, we are proceeding as if we wouldn’t have him with another plan. One person doesn’t necessarily completely alter your game plan."
Obviously, the team would like to see the player they moved up nine spots in the first round to pick out on the field, making the impact they expect him to be able to.
But the team is wise to keep the long term picture in mind, and let Jordan's shoulder fully heal before inserting him back into the lineup.
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