Dolphins’ Wallace Quietly Sitting Out

Jul 22, 2013; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) talks with wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) during training camp at the Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

During Monday’s intra-squad scrimmage there was no Brian Hartline.  Injured before the start of the game with a tweaked calf muscle.  Armon Binns was lost already due to an ACL/MCL tear.  But where was Mike Wallace?  The Dolphins big money free agent who was supposed to stretch the field and not just his wallet?  After the practice Joe Philbin refused to answer that question.

Tuesday Wallace was nowhere to be seen.  Wednesday he was absent from practice again.  Where in the world is Michael Wallace?  More importantly is not really where but what is going on.

Wallace hasn’t practiced now in about four days and there is the teams first meaningless game approaching quickly this Sunday night in Canton.  It’s not a huge loss if Wallace doesn’t play considering the fact most starters don’t.  When pressed on the issue the Dolphins have been very quiet surrounding the issue.  Why shouldn’t they?  If Wallace is down so will the Dolphins chances on paper.  Wallace represents the best chance offensively for the team to move the ball.

His speed alone will make defenses play off the line allowing others to see one on one coverage.  Him being in the game will open up opportunities for the TE’s to get into the seams.  For Brian Hartline to have another 1,000 yard season.  Without him, they may only be marginally better.  Still lacking the elite down-field pass catcher.  Conspiracy theorists will tell you that the Dolphins are hiding something and maybe they are.  They don’t have to announce anything yet so why bother?

Consider this.  If Wallaces’ injury is severe enough it could hamper season ticket sales.  Sure it’s a little classless to keep that from the fans in the hopes to keep generating ticket sales but this is business pure and simple.  The real reason is hopefully a lot less than that but it’s a question that suddenly is on everyone’s mind.  What is wrong down there?

The Dolphins are not saying and neither is Wallace and that is a bit concerning no matter how you look at it.  On the other side if it was a bit more serious we may be looking at something more than a Julius Pruitt addition.

UPDATE:  Wallace worked out Wednesday in what was termed a “light” practice.  He only did individual drills.