Dolphins
Dolphins Roundup 8/18/04
By The Source
Aug 18, 2004

Compiled from a variety of sources throughout the day

- While the Dolphins would consider trading Adewale Ogunleye if presented a substantial offer, an NFL source said they denied agent Drew Rosenhaus permission Monday to shop the unsigned defensive end to other franchises.

The Dolphins had contract negotiations with Rosenhaus on Monday for the first time in 10 days, but the source said no significant progress was made.

- Wide receiver Sam Simmons will see a specialist in Charlotte, N.C., today about his severely bruised left ankle.

"I've been pushing it," said Simmons, who has battled ankle problems since a season-ending injury in November's 24-23 victory over Washington.

"I think I've been playing with it and performing at a high level. It's a nagging pain, a constant pain regardless of what I'm doing. It's not getting any better, it's not getting any worse."

- After working exclusively at right tackle this entire training camp, Dolphins 2004 first round pick Vernon Carey has begun working at right guard.

"I know I just have to do my job," Carey said. "If something happens, something happens. I’m just trying to prepare myself to be able to play either right guard or right tackle. That’s what coach (Wannstedt) asked of me, so that’s what I’m going to go out and try to do."

- Also on Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins signed cornerback Jimmy Wyrick to a one-year contract.

Wyrick, 27, was signed by the Dolphins on December 1 of last year after beginning the 2003 season with Detroit, where he played in seven games, including one start. He was credited with seven tackles and a fumble recovery before being waived by the Lions on November 15. With the Dolphins, he appeared in four games, all in a reserve role, and recorded four special teams tackles.

The 5-9, 170-pound Wyrick originally joined the Lions in 2000 as an undrafted college free agent. Over his first three NFL seasons (2000-02), he appeared in 36 games, all in a reserve role. He registered 34 tackles and seven passes defensed on defense and 37 stops on special teams.

Wyrick was a three-year letterman (1996-97, 1999) at the University of Minnesota who started at cornerback his final two seasons there after playing wide receiver as a freshman in 1996. Born December 31, 1976, Wyrick attended DeSoto (Texas) High School.

- The Dolphins currently have 89 players on the roster.

- The Dolphins practiced in shorts and helmets Tuesday morning for approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.

- The winning raffle number from the morning session for an autographed A.J. Feeley football is 0395917.

- The winning raffle number from the evening session for a Zach Thomas autographed football is 371724.

- QUOTES
Head Coach Dave Wannstedt (on WR/DB Bobby Sippio and the return game) - “Just because we are a little short on people right now, we wanted to take a look at him tonight as a kick returner. He is actually playing both ways for us right now. He’s our first two-way player so far. He played some receiver tonight and some defensive back. I’d also like to get Terrence Wilkins some work returning punts and kicks this weekend if he’s healthy enough to do it. But there is a possibility that Sippio could end up returning kicks for us this weekend.”

Head Coach Dave Wannstedt (on WR Antonio Freeman running plays with the offense) - “Our plan is to try and play him on Saturday. Obviously we will give him a select number of plays that he can handle. We want to get him in the action. It would be nice to get him 10 to 12 plays. We’re going to gear toward getting that done Saturday and I’m sure he’ll be ready to do that.”

(CB Korey Banks on his injury) – “I knew I was alright, because I could move my hips, my hands, and my legs. I just didn’t want it to be a spinal injury. I then started to think about the second option of having a neck injury. It was fine, I knew I wasn’t paralyzed, and it ended up just being a stinger.”

(G Vernon Carey on his position move and the opportunity to start) – “I know I just have to do my job. If something happens, something happens. I’m just trying to prepare myself to be able to play either right guard or right tackle. That’s what coach (Wannstedt) asked of me, so that’s what I’m going to go out and try to do.”

(RB Fred Russell on playing special teams) – “You just have to be prepared and you have to do your best on special teams. You hope that you get the opportunity to show your stuff at your position.”

(RB Fred Russell on being used to tackling) – “It’s something I did my first two years at Iowa. The last two years I haven’t played special teams, really just returned kicks. It’s something that Keith (Armstrong) works on with us every day. Hopefully when I get a chance to tackle somebody, I can put a big hit on them.”

(RB Fred Russell on his size) – “Being a running back, there is a lot of pounding. It’s hard for guys to get a clean shot on me, so I don’t really take too many big hits on the upper body. Now, the smaller defenders, like a guy that is usually under 5-9, they usually do, like defensive backs. That’s how I had a lot of shoulder injuries in college because the smaller defensive backs got under me. It’s tough for a guy to get under me, usually at the defensive end position in the NFL because guys are like 5-10 and up.”

- TRAINING FACILITY DIRECTIONS
From the north, take I-95 South, while Dol-Fans coming from the south, should take I-95 North. Exit I-95 at I-595 West. Take I-595 West to the University Drive exit. Proceed off exit and turn left onto University Drive (going south) Go past four traffic lights, crossing S.W. 30th Street, and make a u-turn at the first crossover. Take the first right and follow spectator parking signs to the free public garage. If the garage is full, follow directions from Nova Public Safety.

- REMAINING 2004 CAMP DOLPHINS SCHEDULE
Tues., Aug. 17
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Wed., Aug. 18
4:15 – 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., Aug. 19
9:00 – 10:45 a.m.
4:15 – 6:00 p.m.