"When the Dolphins first signed linebacker Karlos Dansby in March, it sent a jolt through a fan base thrilled by the presence of an elite defensive playmaker. It also excited coach Tony Sparano for another reason.

Sparano couldn't wait to see Dansby alongside linebacker Channing Crowder, a pairing that he thought would allow Crowder to also reach his own potential.

``The thought of both those guys playing together out there has been something that's gotten me pretty excited,'' Sparano said Wednesday.

``I've only seen it for about eight plays in that first preseason game. That's been the frustrating part.''

Frustrating because Crowder has missed the first four games with a nagging injury that has failed to heal in a timely fashion. But it appears Sparano will finally get his wish.

Barring any setbacks this week, Crowder is on schedule to play Sunday against the Packers. He isn't the only one. The Dolphins had all of their players practicing for the first time of the regular season."