Less than 24 hours before kickoff, the Miami Dolphins' outspoken linebacker was ruled out of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay because of a coach's decision. The Dolphins didn't give any information about the reason for the move Saturday by coach Tony Sparano.
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Porter made no tackles in last week's loss to the New England Patriots after calling them cheaters and saying he hated them. New England quarterback Tom Brady said his team was inspired by Porter's comments.
Porter has been slowed most of the season by a sore right hamstring. The four-time Pro Bowl player sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday but participated in full drills Friday.
Porter has only 2 sacks this season, compared with an AFC-high 17 last year. The usually talkative linebacker declined to talk to local reporters this week, but following Friday's practice, Sparano praised Porter's attitude.
"I see no frustration," Sparano said. "What I do see is a guy that's played in enough football games to know, 'There are some things I need to do better out there.' There are a lot of things that people say about Joey that are not always favorable, but one of the good things about Joey is the guy's a pretty good pro. He takes it personally. The guy cares."
Porter missed a game Oct. 4 against Buffalo because of his injury. The Dolphins will likely start Charlie Anderson or Matt Roth in his place against the Buccaneers.
Miami guard Justin Smiley and tight end Anthony Fasano were inactive as well.
Smiley missed practice this week with a shoulder injury. Fasano has been bothered by a sore hip.
Reserve defensive linemen Paul Soliai (ankle) and linebacker Joey Porter (coach's decision) were also inactive.
Nate Garner started for Smiley, Kory Sperry started for Fasano, and Charlie Anderson started for Porter.
Garcia eyes Tamudo respectMiami Dolphins’ Joey Porter on New England Patriots’ Tom Brady: ‘He got his own rules’
