Sun-Sentinel:Sources: Griese to start tonight

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-dolnote23nov23,0,995772.story?coll=sfla-sports-front

Sources: Griese to start tonight

By Alex Marvez

Staff Writer

Posted November 23 2003

It appears Dolphins quarterback Jay Fielder will have to wait at least one more game before returning to the starting lineup. Two NFL sources said Saturday that Brian Griese will start tonight's game against Washington at Pro Player Stadium.

Fiedler, who was the Dolphins' third-string quarterback the past four games because of a sprained left knee, likely will serve as Griese's backup. Fiedler participated in all three practices last week for the first time since he was injured Oct. 19 in a 19-13 overtime loss to New England.

The Dolphins (6-4) are 2-2 with Griese as the starting quarterback. While he has completed 56.4 percent of his passes, Griese has the same number of touchdown passes (four) as interceptions and has been sacked 10 times in the past four games.

The Dolphins also added wide receiver J.R. Tolver (knee) to their injury report. Tolver likely will be inactive against Washington. Recently signed wide receiver Oronde Gadsden is set to play. Because of how well he has performed in practice, Gadsden could receive extensive playing time against the Redskins (4-6).

Dolphins to wear orange jerseys

For the first time in franchise history, the Dolphins are donning orange jerseys tonight instead of the traditional aqua and white. The team also is encouraging fans to wear orange.

"Are we wearing those this week? Oh boy," Griese said. "I thought we were going to wear them for Halloween."

While he likes the jerseys, defensive end Jason Taylor had a similar thought.

"Some big guys look like pumpkins," said Taylor, who was jokingly referring to hefty defensive tackles Tim Bowens and Larry Chester. "But if we all look the same, we can all blend in."

One season after five franchises unveiled a third jersey, the Dolphins were one of several teams who successfully petitioned the NFL last spring to do the same in 2003. Dolphins representatives worked with NFL Properties on the jersey's design.

The jersey was unveiled in early September and has become the team's best-selling piece of merchandise this season.

But an espn.com poll being conducted to rate the worst uniform in sports shows that the orange has some fans seeing red. The Dolphins have reached the quarterfinals in an NCAA tournament-style bracket, with fans voting the orange jerseys uglier than the uniforms worn by the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals.

The orange jerseys will be worn for this game only. The Dolphins will honor their 1973 team by wearing throwback jerseys for Thursday's game in Dallas.