Erickson to Start; Marino May Play

Miami Dolphin quarterback Craig Erickson will start Sunday at Philadelphia, but there’s a 50% chance Dan Marino will play, Coach Jimmy Johnson said Thursday.

The status of Marino and receiver Fred Barnett was upgraded from doubtful to questionable on the team’s injury report.

“I think it’s closer to 50-50 right now,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a game-time decision on both of them. But I was pleased with what I saw today.”

Marino and Barnett returned to practice Wednesday. Marino has been out since Sept. 23 because of a fractured right ankle. Barnett has been recovering from knee surgery Aug. 5.

Marino took part in about 30% of Thursday’s practice in a steady drizzle. He didn’t work at full speed, but did take snaps in the team session for the first time. In the two games that Erickson has started, Miami lost to Seattle and won at Buffalo.

*

Oakland Raider guard Steve Wisniewski was fined $50,000 by the NFL for two on-field incidents.

Wisniewski was fined $30,000 for his third unnecessary roughness penalty of the season. In the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s game with Detroit, he was penalized for launching himself into a Lions player in a downfield pileup after a pass play.

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue added a $20,000 fine for Wisniewski’s charging and making contact with a game official, also in the fourth quarter.

Earlier this season, Wisniewski, an eight-year veteran, was fined $5,000 for unnecessary roughness in a Sept. 8 game against Kansas City, and an additional $10,000 for an identical foul in a Sept. 29 games against Chicago. Wisniewski has been fined $65,000 this season for on-field misconduct.

In a letter to Wisniewski, Tagliabue wrote:

“This incident [abuse of the game official] is one of four, including another incident of unnecessary roughness in this same game, for which you have been fined this season. In addition, in previous years you have had three other incidents of on-field misconduct which resulted in fines.

“You should understand that this marks a clear pattern of behavior which the league cannot tolerate. If additional offenses occur, you will be subject to more severe discipline, including suspension.”

Wisniewski was not available for comment.

Meanwhile, running back Harvey Williams (torn calf muscle) returned to practice and hopes to be ready for spot duty Monday night at San Diego. He was injured Sept. 22 in the first game against San Diego. Offensive tackle Pat Harlow (hip and back pain), however, is expected to sit out his fifth consecutive game.