Miami Dolphins get healthy: Pouncey, other key players might return

The Dolphins locker room seemed more crowded Monday, and the training room likely a bit more spacious, as a handful of injured players, including center Mike Pouncey, took advantage of the bye week and appear on the brink of returning to action.

Happiest Ive been in a while, a grinning Pouncey said after practicing with no limitations with the starting unit.

Although plenty of work remains before Green Bay visits, its possible that Sunday also could mark the return of linebacker Koa Misi, running back Knowshon Moreno, defensive end Terrence Fede, defensive tackle Randy Starks and guard Shelley Smith from injury.

In addition, safety Reshad Jones is returning from a four-game suspension for violating the leagues drug policy and linebacker Chris McCain is back after missing the Oakland game for personal reasons.

So we have our complete football team, Pouncey said. So were ready to roll.

Samson Satele was signed Aug. 2 and has performed well at center in Pounceys absence, raising the possibility that one of them could see time at guard. Pouncey pointed out he was an All-American guard at Florida who was forced to move to center because of the Dolphins needs. Both men have said theyre willing to play wherever coaches decide.

The suspension of Jones was lifted, presumably putting the secondary intact for the first time this season, although cornerback Cortland Finnegan was not present for the portion of Mondays practice open to the media.

Jones return comes as the Dolphins are preparing to face quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a 114.8 rating, 12 touchdown passes and only one interception.

I feel real good, Jones said. Went around, made a couple of plays. Its just good to be back out there.

Morenos status remains cloudy. He dislocated his left elbow Sept. 14 at Buffalo and last week told The Palm Beach Post he expected to miss another month, but signs are pointing toward a return sooner rather than later. Moreno was taking on a heavier workload in practice while wearing a wrap, and the Dolphins released running back Orleans Darkwa, leaving only starter Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas and Damien Williams at running back.

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Miami Dolphins get healthy: Pouncey, other key players might return