The Sports Xchange

DAVIE, Fla. — Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes and Pro Bowl defensive end Cam Wake missed Monday’s practice, which could mean trouble for Sunday’s game at Tennessee. Wake (one tackle, no sacks) has been battling a hamstring injury, and Grimes, who has one interception, has been battling a right knee injury.

Either ailment could severely hurt the already struggling defense, mainly because of how it brings the Dolphins’ suspect depth into the picture. Cornerback Jamar Taylor would likely replace Grimes, although veteran Zack Bowman could also be in contention. Both have had their rough patches this season.

Defensive end Derrick Shelby would start for Wake, but second-year end Terrence Fede, who has struggled at times, would also get more snaps.

–Special teams coach Darren Rizzi has been promoted to assistant head coach/special teams coordinator. That means interim coach Dan Campbell’s staff now has an offensive coordinator (Bill Lazor), defensive coordinator (Lou Anarumo), assistant head coach (Rizzi), and two senior offensive assistants (Al Saunders and Ken O’Keefe).

Rizzi joined the Dolphins as an assistant special teams coach in 2009, and is in his fifth season as special teams coordinator.

–Miami is embarking on a stretch of playing four of their next five games on the road. The Dolphins play at Tennessee on Sunday, then play host to the Houston Texans, who they’ve never beaten, and then go on a three-game road trip of New England (Thursday night, Oct. 29), Buffalo and Philadelphia.

Since 2012, Miami is 2-4 against New England and 2-5 against Buffalo.

INJURY NOTES: LT Branden Albert (hamstring) practiced Monday and seems to be ready to play Sunday at Tennessee. Albert has missed the last two games and his presence could greatly aid the struggling offensive line. “Albert did a little bit of work today,” Campbell said Monday. “He’s getting better every time he steps out there.” … CB Brent Grimes (right knee) didn’t practice Monday. There’s no word on the severity of his injury. Interim coach Dan Campbell said “we’ll see how he looks. He was out there and ran a little bit today, he looks good, and we’ll see what happens though, it’s early.” … DE Cam Wake (hamstring) didn’t practice Monday. Wake had his snaps limited in the New York Jets game in London, being used almost exclusively in pass rushing situations. Expect DE Derrick Shelby to get more work if Wake is slowed or doesn’t play Sunday at Tennessee. … DT A.J. Francis wasn’t at the portion of Monday’s practice media is allowed to watch. There was no word on his apparent absence. … TE Dion Sims (concussion) practiced Monday and seems set to play Sunday at Tennessee. Sims has been out since being injured in the opener at Washington.