Swap one injured back for another. That's how it seems things are going so far in Miami's camp.
One day after Arian Foster "annihilated" his conditioning test, earning him freedom from the physically unable to perform list, running back Jay Ajayi is missing Dolphins practice, NFL Media's Jeff Darlington reported.
Ajayi is on the practice field, but on the side riding a stationary bike. That should be encouraging enough to expect he and Foster to resume their time together in the backfield in the near future, though it is sobering to consider the running back vying for a starting job is dealing with a knee issue before the team has even entered full pads.
Ajayi later told reporters, per The Miami Herald, that he's currently battling a bone bruise in his knee but doesn't expected to be out for very long.
Here are more injuries we've been tracking on Monday:
- Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy remains in concussion protocol, according to the Charlotte Observer. Ealy suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit during Saturday's practice session.
- Indianapolis Colts rookie center Ryan Kelly has a strained shoulder and is day-to-day, coach Chuck Pagano told reporters. He did not practice Monday.
- Chicago Bears coach John Fox said tight end Zach Miller and wide receiver Eddie Royal are both in the NFL's concussion protocol. It's unclear when they will return to practice.
- Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (ankle) was limited in practice Monday. Two Bears -- wide receiver Eddie Royal and tight end Zach Miller -- are going through the concussion protocol, head coach John Fox said. Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd was also limited with a shoulder injury.
- Titans rookie linebacker Aaron Wallace sustained an ankle injury on Monday.
- Cardinals wide receiver John "Smokey" Brownis in the concussion protocol, per the team's official website. Guard Evan Mathis sat out due to fatigue in his leg on which he had surgery.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins broke a bone in his hand over the weekend and is having surgery Monday, coach Bruce Arians said. The hope is Jenkins should be able to play with a cast in two to three weeks.
- Cowboys defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford missed practice Monday with a back issue after having an MRI Sunday. Head coach Jason Garrett said the back issue is one Crawford has dealt with in the past, but the team is taking it day-by-day with him.
- The muddled Seahawks' backfield won't get much clarity this week when it comes to rookie running back C.J. Prosise, who will miss another five to eight days with a grade-one hamstring strain, head coach Pete Carroll said. Carroll added that tight end Cooper Helfet broke a bone in his foot, but does not need surgery.
- Tyrann Mathieu remains on the PUP list, but apparently is privately preparing for his return deep within his lair -- or the Cardinals' facility:
- Ravens coach John Harbaugh said tight end Dennis Pittasprained his finger Monday night and will be out a little while.
