Nolan

Carroll

Carroll was abused last Thursday night in Buffalo to the tune of four penalties for 76 yards. “These guys that have been in the league, they’re professionals. They know their job’s on the line... (Carroll)'s aware of what he needs to do and things he needs to do better.” Carroll was primarily a special teams player prior to 2012, but with the trade of Vontae Davis and a season-ending back injury to Richard Marshall, he’s been thrust into a starting role. Miami has just four corners on the roster, and there’s nobody else to really turn to.

Davis was trying to tackle Stevan Ridley and got the worst of it. Nolan Carroll has come on.

It looks like a setback for Marshall, who did get a limited workout in on Wednesday. If he can’t go against the Cardinals Sunday, it will be a big blow to the Dolphins’ secondary. Nolan Carroll, who is dealing with an Achilles’ tendon issue of his own, is the next man up.

Marshall showed promise in early in the season after the Dolphins cut bait with Vontae Davis and handed him the starting job, but he hasn’t seen the field since Week 4. He will undergo surgery on Friday. Nolan Carroll will likely remain the starter at RCB going forward.

It wasn’t quick enough, as his replacement Nolan Carroll was immediately targeted and torched by Tom Brady. He’s a big downgrade, so look for that to continue if Davis cramps up again.

Davis, the team’s top corner along with Sean Smith, was injured while playing special teams against the Texans last week. If he can’t go, liability Nolan Carroll will likely get the start.

Carroll practiced on a limited basis Friday, but isn’t ready to return after leaving last week’s game with a knee injury. He’ll be replaced by Dimitri Patterson in the starting lineup. Also inactive for the Dolphins are QB Pat Devlin, DT Kheeston Randall, TE Kyle Miller, OT Patrick Brown, WR Davone Bess, and LB Koa Misi. Third-round pick TE Michael Egnew is active for the first time this season.

Replacement R.J. Stanford promptly got beat for a would-be touchdown catch by Justin Blackmon, although it was called back.

Carroll was injured in the third quarter after he was flagged for a 38-yard pass interference. He’s questionable to return. With Carroll sidelined, the Dolphins will go with rookie Jamar Taylor opposite Brent Grimes.

Miami got majorly banged up in Sunday’s win over the Patriots, but appears to have avoided serious injury with all three of its critical defenders. Grimes has already insisted he’s “fine,” and hinted he’ll suit up for Week 16 against the Bills.