Ethan J. Skolnick of the Sun-Sentinel is reporting that a source close to the team has confirmed that the Dolphins plan to put Will Allen on injured reserve, effectively ending his 2010 season.
This is arguably the worse news yet to hit Miami from the injury front. Although the Dolphins have two promising corners in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, Smith had a rough training camp and preseason, and a healthy Allen could have pushed him for some snaps in the base defense.
What is sure to take a huge blow is the nickel package. Allen, without a doubt, would have been the nickel corner, but now the newly acquired Benny Sapp or rookie Nolan Carroll will handle those duties. Both struggled somewhat in the preseason.
Carroll reportedly had a fantastic camp, but was picked on a bit by the opposition’s slot receivers in the four exhibition games. Sapp on the other hand, was a little better, but still conceded a few receptions in the final two preseason games after he was brought over from Minnesota for Greg Camarillo. Both are pretty big dropoffs from a healthy Will Allen, though.
Expect the Dolphins to announce a new addition from the waiver wire very soon. The new opening could be used for more corner depth, but a tight end or guard would also fill a need.
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