Fins' Fiedler sits with back spasms

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Dolphins starting quarterback Jay Fiedler was unable to finish the team's morning practice Wednesday after suffering what the team described as back spasms.

Fiedler said he would be examined by team physicians later Wednesday in an effort to find the injury's source. He didn't practice during Miami's afternoon workout and it was not known whether he would practice Thursday or play in Friday's exhibition opener.

Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said he believes the injury occurred while Fiedler was stretching before the day's opening practice. Fiedler took part in only some individual drills during the morning session.

"I think he probably stretched too much and it just tightened up on him a little," Wannstedt said. "It didn't get hit. It didn't do anything drastic. It tightened up on him a little bit and he was out of synch, so we decided to give him a little rest."

Fiedler missed six starts last season with a broken right thumb. He also underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left hip before last year's training camp, but did not miss any preseason games.

"If I can go, I can go," Fiedler said. "And if not, we'll play it one day at a time."

Miami opens this year's preseason schedule Friday against Tampa Bay. Wannstedt said he did not believe the spasms would be a major problem and didn't rule out Fiedler playing even if he misses practice on Thursday.

Brian Griese, signed in the offseason to be Fiedler's backup, worked out with the Dolphins' offensive starters in Fiedler's absence.

"It's all about reps for me as far as getting to know the offense and getting comfortable with the reads and the speed of the game," Griese said.

 

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