DAVIE, Fla. -- Linebacker Joey Porter is among three Miami Dolphins defensive players sidelined with injuries as the team begins preparations for Monday night's game against the AFC East rival New York Jets.
Porter, linebacker Akin Ayodele and end Phillip Merling sat out practice Wednesday.
Porter, who missed Sunday's victory over the Buffalo Bills with a sore right hamstring, did light exercises on the side during practice.
"Joey's progress was a lot more encouraging today," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said.
Sparano said Merling, who hurt his left ankle during the fourth quarter of the game against the Bills, also is making progress. Ayodele sat out because of tightness in his back.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
