Miami Dolphins receiver Wilford makes strides

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/663767.html

Miami Dolphins receiver Wilford makes strides

BY JEFF DARLINGTON
Miami Herald

With final cuts looming, and an unimpressive showing during training camp from wide receiver Ernest Wilford, it has become realistic to wonder whether the nicely paid veteran could be on his way out.

If that were the case, Wilford certainly gave Miami's new regime something to think about after Thursday's game.

Wilford, who apparently had a much better week of practice, looked much more impressive during the second quarter.

His most impressive reception, albeit against Saints backups, was a 26-yard catch on a pass from rookie quarterback Chad Henne.

Later in the drive, Henne connected with Wilford again for a 9-yard catch, which set the Dolphins up for a 1-yard touchdown by Ronnie Brown.

''We let [Wilford] use his body a little bit, which is something that we really wanted to see,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``He did a nice job.''

Before Thursday, Wilford had caught only three passes for 12 yards during the first three preseason games. His longest was a 7-yard reception.

Even with the struggles, it has been tough to fathom that Miami really would release the veteran wide receiver after paying him a $6 million signing bonus in March.

MISSING IN ACTION

The Dolphins apparently decided to leave any players named Joey behind in South Florida for their final preseason road trip to New Orleans. Linebacker Joey Porter and cornerback Joey Thomas both stayed home.

Porter's absence makes some sense because he has been dealing with back issues that have caused him to miss multiple practices recently. Porter underwent numerous tests throughout the week in further attempts to diagnose what has otherwise been a mysterious injury.

He has expressed a level of uncertainty to teammates about whether he will be ready for next week's season opener against the New York Jets.

Thomas' absence, however, is somewhat tougher to explain. The cornerback missed both of the team's practices this week because of headaches, Sparano said. There has been no indication that Thomas sustained a concussion, but it shouldn't be ruled out.

His absence isn't likely to help his cause, since Thomas already is on the bubble of making the team. Thursday would have been a crucial opportunity for him to earn a roster spot.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

The Dolphins will not practice again until Monday, when they enter into regular-season mode in preparation for the game against the Jets.

The team will have off Friday and Sunday, with mandatory meetings scheduled for Saturday.

Miami also must cut

18 players by 4 p.m. Saturday at in order to meet the league-mandated maximum number of 53 players on the roster.

Linebacker Keith Davis' departure Wednesday brought the team down to 71 players.