palmbeachpost:Lineup changes coming Wednesday

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Lineup changes coming Wednesday

By Jamey Eisenberg, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

DAVIE -- The door is open for some changes on offense.

Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said personnel decisions will be announced Wednesday, which could include Jay Fiedler returning at quarterback, Derrius Thompson being replaced as a starting receiver and multiple changes on the offensive line.

Injuries likely will be the deciding factor, but Wannstedt indicated Monday he might tinker with the starting lineup. The biggest change would be Fiedler's return if he is healthy after missing the past four games with a sprained left knee.

Trainer Kevin O'Neill said Fiedler still has soreness in his knee, but he has improved and is gaining mobility. Wannstedt wants to see what Fiedler can do Wednesday before deciding whether he or Brian Griese will start against Washington on Sunday night.

Wannstedt is hopeful that Fiedler could at least be the backup this week.

"He would have to demonstrate that he could move around," he said. "It's not the throwing part, but it's the scrambling and moving, the movement passes that he does so well. He has to be confident in executing those things."

O'Neill said Fiedler, who is wearing a new brace, worked on his movement Monday. But O'Neill said they have to see how Fiedler's knee responds the rest of the week because "we have not done full speed work yet."

At receiver, Kendall Newson could replace Thompson opposite Chris Chambers. Wannstedt said Chambers has played well, but the other receiver is "the spot we're a little bit unsettled on right now."

James McKnight will remain the third receiver, but the Dolphins have to get more production because Thompson, McKnight and Newson have combined for just 30 catches for 406 yards and one touchdown this season.

"We need to try and get that resolved," Wannstedt said, adding there is no interest in signing a receiver.

On the offensive line, Wannstedt said center Tim Ruddy (left knee) will regain his starting spot from Seth McKinney if he is healthy. Right guard Todd Perry (hyperextended right elbow) expects to play against the Redskins, but O'Neill said Perry is sore and has some limitations in his arm.

At left guard, Jamie Nails (left ankle) could be replaced by undrafted rookie free agent Billy Yates, who came in when Nails left the Ravens game. Nails' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Nails is day to day and the injury is not serious.

Ricky sore: Ricky Williams was sore after carrying the ball 36 times for 105 yards against the Ravens. His lip and shoulder were banged up, but his right big toenail likely was the worst injury.

He had his toenail stepped on in the first half "and it kind of looked like an accordion," O'Neill said. O'Neill said there was two-thirds of the toenail left, but Williams still managed 22 carries for 64 yards in the second half.

"The toenail itself doesn't have an effect on how well you run or cut, but try ripping a little bit of your nail down into the live bed where it's bleeding and you know how much that hurts," O'Neill said. "I would assume it was pretty painful."

Noteworthy: Cornerback Patrick Surtain aggravated his right ankle injury against Baltimore, but Wannstedt expects him to play against Washington.... Tight end Randy McMichael suffered a shoulder stinger but is expected to play Sunday.... The Dolphins will have center Ben Claxton, receiver Larry Foster and linebacker Bobby Howard in for workouts today.

jamey_eisenberg@pbpost.com