Linebacker Matt Roth and coach Tony Sparano said Roth would begin practicing with the Dolphins on Wednesday.

``As far as whether or not he'll play [Sunday], I have no idea,'' Sparano said.

Roth hasn't practiced with the team since failing his physical tests at the start of training camp. He had offseason groin surgery, but Sparano claimed Roth said he was sick at the start of training camp. He was put on the Non-Football Injury list in training camp, then on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start the season.

By NFL rules, Tuesday is the first day Roth can practice with the Dolphins, but that's the customary off day. Once he does, the Dolphins have to make a decision whether to add him to the roster within 21 days.

There was perfect attendance at the last practice before Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. Sparano said outside linebacker Joey Porter and his hurting hamstring didn't go through a full practice, but ``did an awful lot of work, finished practice.''

MAKE AN APPEAL

Defensive lineman Kendall Langford said the NFL fined him $5,000 for his hit on Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards that resulted in a roughing the passer penalty on Oct. 4.

Langford has sent in a letter appealing the fine, but has yet to have his phone interview with a league official.

HEALTHY RESPECT

Though left guard Justin Smiley respects Jets defensive tackle/nose guard Kris Jenkins, he won't miss the key to New York's run defense. Jenkins is out for the season after a knee injury sustained during Sunday's Jets loss to Buffalo. The Dolphins face the Jets again Nov. 1.

``It'll be good for us because that dude's a beast, he's the real deal,'' Smiley said. ``I'm sure they'll have somebody ready to step up and take his place. That's the game of football.

``The last couple of years, I've had the pleasure of playing against him, and it's not much fun,'' he said. ``Week in, week out, you play great players. Kris Jenkins is no exception to that. I hate to hear that for him.''

A PUBLIX PUSH

Tuesday at Land Shark Stadium, at least 20 current Dolphins players, some cheerleaders and some former Dolphins will turn out for the 12-hour Touchdown for Life blood drive.

Courtesy of Publix, the first 1,000 registered participants will get a free ticket to the Nov. 15 Tampa Bay-Dolphins game, a free Dolphins blood drive T-shirt and two Publix $5 coupons. During the entire blood drive, which runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., participants can meet players and alumni, get autographs and get tours of the field and Dolphins locker room.

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