DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins first-round draft pick Dion Jordan said Thursday "it wouldn't be a surprise" if he were not ready for the regular-season opener at Cleveland.
Jordan, an edge rusher from Oregon and the third overall pick in April's draft, has been hampered by a right shoulder injury. He did not take part in full-contact drills this week and last played against Jacksonville in Miami's second preseason game.
"Would I be surprised? It's my body, so I know when I'm ready to go or I'm not ready to go. It wouldn't be a surprise at all," Jordan said. "I'm saying either way, it's my body, so I would know when I'm ready to go or when I'm not ready to go.
"For me the most important thing is to get healthy. It's not a surprise to me at all. I want to get healthy. So I'm going to do what I have to do to make sure I'm there."
The Dolphins don't discuss injuries. Jordan underwent offseason surgery for a torn labrum on the shoulder.
Jordan said he did not have a timeline for his return.
"You'll probably have to talk to Coach (Joe Philbin) about when they plan on putting me back out there on the field," said Jordan, who has been fitted with a brace for the shoulder.
"It's to protect me. I'll wear it as long as I'm taking on blocks and doing drills and stuff like that just to protect myself to not cause any more damage to my shoulder."
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Jordan played seven snaps at Jacksonville, where he was used primarily in third-down situations to try and take advantage of his pass-rushing skills.
Considered a defensive end when drafted, Jordan also could be used as a rushing outside linebacker. He hasn't had a chance to work much on either role recently.
"It's rough, especially being a rookie and wanting to get out there and compete," he said. "It's a tough situation, but the most important thing for me is my health. I'm going to make sure I'm ready to go when I do stuff out there on the field."
Charlie McCarthy can be reached at
mac1763@bellsouth.net
or on Twitter @mccarthy_chas
