Why did the Miami Dolphins suddenly cancel their joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles?
Whether it was something they ate or something they picked up, it appears the Dolphins didn’t have the stomach for it.
Though the teams have maintained that it’s not covid-19 related, there will definitely be some head scratching after news of a contagious ‘bug.’
The Dolphins and Eagles cancel joint session due to ‘illness’
According to reports Thursday, a somewhat bizarre situation unfolded between the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles. Engaged in a joint practice session, the Miami Dolphins took the sudden decision to cancel training on the grounds that they are currently dealing with a ‘non covid-19 illness’ which appears to be spreading throughout the roster. Indeed, the Dolphins indicated that their intention is to still participate in Saturday’s preseason game, however, in light of this sudden development, we can only wait to see if that will be the case.
Regarding symptoms and what exactly happened, NFL Network gave some insight as it indicated that “a bunch” of players were sick and vomiting during the previous night. While some have alluded to a stomach bug of some sort, there are those who have suggested that it could in fact be food poisoning. Where the Eagles are concerned, there have been no reports of any illness or symptoms among the team according to a statement from head coach Nick Sirianni on Thursday morning.
No love lost between the Eagles and Dolphins
While it’s a given that neither team would wish sickness on the other, we can definitely say there won’t be any get-well cards being sent between them. The heat was already turned up on Thursday, as evidenced by Eagles receiver A.J. Brown who criticized journalists for only posting a highlight video of Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill getting the better of Philadelphia’s cornerback Darius Slay early on in the session. Interestingly, a video was later shared of Brown himself which of course he was pleased with. Take a look:
Rhetoric aside, when taking a look at both teams one can understand why there is so much gamesmanship. The Eagles and Dolphins are currently at a make-or-break moment in their evolution, with two young quarterbacks in Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa respectively. Add to that the fact that they have spent a significant amount to surround their signal callers with talent that can contend and you begin to get an understanding for why there are short fuses between them. Can they fulfill the promise that has been talked up in recent weeks? Starting on Saturday we may just get the answer to that question.