Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jason Ferguson is working as usual at organized team activities and minicamps, and will continue to be with the team through training camp and the preseason. And then he’ll be barred from the team facility from the start of the regular season through the eighth game because of a performance-enhancing drug suspension.
One of the biggest questions facing the Dolphins’ defense over the second half of the season will be whether Ferguson shows up in shape and ready to contribute from the ninth game on.
“It’s gonna be a hard thing,” Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said, per the Palm Beach Post. “But it’s our feeling that while we have him here we’re going to get him in the best shape we can possibly get him before, obviously, he’s gone. And then, whenever we can get him back, that’s going to be gradual.”
Ferguson acknowledges that it’s going to be tough on him to be in game shape after missing two months.
“Every year you work your way up, and you’re thinking game day is right around the corner,” he said. “For me it’s going to be around two corners.”
Ferguson said it’s “more than likely” he’ll work with a personal trainer while he’s away from the Dolphins between Week One of the regular season, when his suspension begins, and Week Nine, when it ends.
“Once you build up your training, you’ve gotta try to keep building on it,” Ferguson said.
If Ferguson does keep building on it, the Dolphins’ defensive line will get a big boost when the second half of the season starts.
