The Dolphins are four days away from having to decide whether to bring back guard Richie Incognito or cut him. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that Incognito definitely won’t return to the team — after Sunday’s game or ever.
Salguero also believes that a decision has been made or will be made to extend Incognito’s currently paid suspension through the end of the regular season, keeping him out of action for the Dolphins or anyone for the rest of the year.
In March, Incognito becomes a free agent.
That cuts against the sense of optimism previously emanating from Camp Incognito regarding the possibility that he’ll be playing in the postseason. Salguero believes Incognito will go along with an effort to shut him down with pay, given that he did some things he shouldn’t have done, even if NFL investigator Ted Wells concludes that those things don’t amount to bullying or harassment of tackle Jonathan Martin.
Speaking of Wells, Salguero expects the public release of the independent report to be delayed, possibly until after the Super Bowl. Salguero also reports that Martin will not be back with the Dolphins, at any time. Salguero writes that Martin will be traded to the highest bidder in the offseason.
Of course, there will be no bidder unless it’s clear that Martin truly wants to play football. If no one is willing to take that leap of faith, the Dolphins may have to waive him.