Wake in high spirits for Sunday’s game vs. Lions
Star defensive end isn’t positive about return, but he’s eager for it
DAVIE — Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake was sly, hoping to keep any hints about his health to himself.
Even for a generally subdued person like Wake, it was clear he was in a jolly mood on Friday.
Wake did not want to explicitly say he will make his return from a two-game absence on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
But his comments indicate he may already have an outfit in mind for his drive to Hard Rock Stadium, eager to gift sacks and tackles for loss to any and every offensive player that may cross his path.
“It’ll be Christmas morning on Sunday. Everybody will find out all kinda information and surprises and all that,” said Wake, who is officially questionable to play.
“I’m Santa Claus. I know what’s going on. You guys don’t.”
Wake was also playful when asked to confirm an ESPN report about having a knee procedure.
“ESPN said I had surgery? Interesting,” Wake said. “I didn’t know I had surgery. You’re going to have to talk to ESPN about that.”
Wake returned to practice this week, also for the first time in two weeks. He was marked as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday, but upgraded to a full participant on Friday.
Wake started 31 consecutive games in the past three seasons before missing time against the Bengals and Bears.
But that did not mean he wasn’t eager while recovering.
“Every player wants to play every play, but you can’t be narrow minded,” Wake said. “I think we’ve done a good job of that so far, and that should continue for the rest of the season.”
Wake’s return would boost a Dolphins defensive line that prided itself on depth — before being riddled with injuries.
Defensive end William Hayes may have had the most disappointing injury, tearing his ACL in Week 3, ending his season.
Like Wake, defensive end Andre Branch (knee) was out for two games before making his return against the Bears last week.
And during the course of the season, players such as defensive ends Cameron Malveaux and Jonathan Woodard have been promoted from the practice squad to boost depth.
However, Woodard (concussion) and defensive end Charles Harris (calf ) are out for the Lions game. Harris has been advised to use a walking boot, indicating his injury could take time to heal.
“Unfortunately, it’s part of the game. No other sport has to deal with what we deal with,” Wake said.
“It’s 16 games and every game you’ve ever watched, somebody has been injured. And more often than not, it might be season-ending …
“As a defensive end or football player, it requires a tremendous amount of physical effort. Everything needs to be at all cylinders, and if not, you’ll probably do better to sit out and get yourself back to that point.