DAVIE, Fla. — After sitting out most of practice for a second consecutive week, Miami Dolphins first-round pick Dion Jordan said Thursday he might not be ready for the start of the regular season.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since being sidelined, Jordan was asked whether he’d be surprised if he can’t go on Sept. 8 at Cleveland.
“It’s my body, so I know when I’m ready to go or when I’m not ready to go,” said the first defensive player taken in the 2013 draft. “It wouldn’t be a surprise at all.”
Jordan hasn’t taken part in a full practice since Miami’s 27-3 preseason victory at Jacksonville on Aug. 9. Jordan did non-contact work early in practice Thursday, before doing side work with a trainer.
Jordan underwent surgery for a torn labrum in his right shoulder on Feb. 28 and began training camp on the non-football injury list. He came off the list and began practicing on the third day of camp.
Jordan played in the Hall of Fame game against Dallas on Aug. 4, but was limited to seven defensive snaps the following week against Jacksonville.
“I tore my labrum last year; for me the most important thing is to get healthy,” Jordan said. “It’s not a surprise to me at all. I want to get healthy. So I’m going to do what I have to do to make sure I’m there.”
Jordan said he didn’t have any idea when he’d be back at practice, deferring questions to coach Joe Philbin. Philbin has a standing policy of not discussing injuries during training camp.
“Right now I’m just doing what I’m told,” Jordan said. ” Rest is really important right now for me, so I’m doing whatever I have to do get myself prepared for this year, this season.
“Anybody that’s not able to participate, this is our livelihood, this is what we do. It’s a little frustrating. You’ve got to be positive about things, understand the situation. I have to get healthy, so that’s what I’m going to focus on — making sure I’m healthy and ready to go.”
The Dolphins selected Jordan after moving up from 12th to third in the first round of the draft by making a trade with the Oakland Raiders. Selected to help the Miami pass rush, Jordan got practice time at both defensive end and outside linebacker this summer.
“Our defence is very versatile,” Jordan said. “I’ll probably be doing a few things.”
