Reggie Bush has a major impact on the Dolphins season this year.

MDD Staff Writer:  Chad Pullen

News:
Miami made a couple of small moves this week as they released Hard Knocks fav Chris Hogan, aka “7-11” from their practice squad, as well as OLB Sammy Brown whom the Dolphins signed after the rosters were trimmed down to 53.

LB Jonathan Freeny was called up from the practice squad to take David Garrard’s roster spot, and DT Ryan Baker has been re-signed for about the fourth time now in Miami.  The Dolphins also signed a new receiver for the practice squad, 6-3 210 out of Florida A&M, UDFA Brian Tyms who had spent camp with the 49ers.

Fantasy Advice:
Reggie Bush
Bush should be the #1 fantasy player all season long for the Dolphins, and this week is no exception.  The Raiders are a bit banged up, coming off a short prep week, and traveling 3,000 miles to play in an early game.  That’s a recipe for Bush to have a solid game, get the Dolphins the lead, and then give him as many touches as he can handle to close the game out and keep the pressure off their rookie QB.  Even if the game doesn’t go the way the Dolphins want it, Bush should still easily eclipse 25+ touches, ahead or behind on the scoreboard.

Miami Defense
Anytime a defense faces Carson Palmer, there’s a good chance they could have a good day.  Palmer has been erratic over the years and has certainly been known to throw an interception or two in his day.  With Oakland also coming off a short week, and with multiple injuries to their wide receiver core, they should struggle to move the ball against the Dolphin defense.  RB Darren McFadden is their biggest weapon, but stopping the run is also the Dolphin D’s biggest strength.  The real test will come stopping McFadden in the passing game as he produced a whopping 11 receptions in their opener on Monday night.

Sleeper, Brian Hartline
As Hartline gets healthier and continues to work with QB Ryan Tannehill, he could begin to produce for the Dolphins.  He had a couple nice grabs in Houston and as he gets stronger, should get more looks and more production while defenses key in on Bush and WR Davone Bess.  If Tannehill can overcome his issues getting the ball pass the defensive line, Hartline could make some impact plays and may even get into the end zone this weekend.

Super Sleeper, Lamar Miller
Miller was in this same spot last week only the Dolphins decided to deactivate him before the game.  Once Daniel Thomas went down, it appeared likely that Miller would be activated for this week’s game and should be given a few looks to spell Bush in the Florida heat.  Miller is a threat every single time he touches the ball so any carries/receptions he makes he can go the distance with a key block or two in front of him.

Injuries:
Tony McDaniel – Various
Daniel Thomas – Concussion

Thomas is OUT for the Oakland game as he suffered a concussion during his fumble just before halftime against Houston.  He should be able to return for week 3.  McDaniel has been battling injuries to his leg all offseason and was limited week 1.  Jake Long and John Jerry who were both on last week’s list appear to be much stronger this week and practiced without limitation.  This early in the season, the team is still pretty healthy and in good shape.  With Thomas being out, fourth round draft pick Lamar Miller should be activated for this week’s game and should see some action.