Joe Berger News

HOUGHTON, Mich., Dec. 9 -- Michigan Technological University issued the following press release: Former Michigan Tech football player Joe Berger started his first career game in the National Football League on Nov.

The Dolphins are preparing for the Patriots today and that preparation included some interesting nuggets.

As expected, Jake Grove will miss today's game against the Patriots. And I'd have thought this was a bigger deal, if I didn't see what I saw the last time this two teams met -- Which was Vince Wilfork playing over Jake Long as a 5-technique end.

Linebacker Joey Porter has gotten back on track the past two games with 4 1/2 sacks.

Jake Grove continues to test his left ankle sprain, running wind sprints during Thursday's practice, but the Miami Dolphins starting center still isn't participating.

It is a beautiful day for football here and so that removes the final excuse anyone could possibly, realistically have for believing the Dolphins could lose today.

With center Jake Grove sidelined by an ankle injury, back-up Joe Berger will make his first NFL start in five seasons when the Dolphins look to keep their playoff hopes alive at Buffalo.

Joe Berger likely will make the calls setting up the offensive line for the Dolphins on Sunday.

In Miami, it looks like Joe Berger will get the start at center for the Dolphins because of Jake Grove's injury.

Dolphins starting center Jake Grove is listed as "doubtful" for Sunday's game at Buffalo after sitting out Friday's practice with a left ankle injury.

Dolphins center Joe Berger, the likely starter Sunday at Buffalo, had his life planned when he attended Michigan Tech as a freshman in 2000.

The Miami Dolphins have supplemented the offensive line by promoting Andrew Hartline from the practice squad.

Berger's acquisition seemed even less significant a few days later when the Dolphins inked center Jake Grove to a lucrative five-year deal.

BY DAVID J. NEAL dneal@MiamiHerald.com Two wins in five days saved the next few Dolphins games from irrelevance.

Williams rushed for 119 yards and scored three touchdowns, and the Dolphins beat the Carolina Panthers 24-17 on Thursday night for their fourth win in six games.

The Miami Dolphins are getting thin at center. Starter Jake Grove left Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers because of an ankle injury early in the third quarter and was questionable to return.

FBNDolphins Injuries,0203 G Smiley still out with shoulder injury Eds: APNewsNow.

New York Jets linebacker David Harris, left, sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne in the Dolphins' 30-25 win Sunday.

Will Monday night mark the third straight week that we've seen Nate Garner as the tackle eligible on the Miami Dolphins ' goal-line offense? If so, we could be in for a nice little side story as Garner was a 2008 seventh-round pick of the J-E-T-S. Should Garner actually catch a touchdown pass, it would be quite a milestone for the Arkansas product.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter and guard Justin Smiley remain limited in practice because of injuries, but coach Tony Sparano says he's hopeful they'll play Sunday at San Diego.