Dolphins' Smith, Allen miss game vs. Panthers, being tested for swine flu

[mesaSteeler]

Dolphins' Smith, Allen miss game vs. Panthers, being tested for swine flu
http://www.nfl.com/preseason/story?i...s&confirm=true
NFL.com Wire Reports

MIAMI -- Dolphins defensive backs Sean Smith and Jason Allen were scratched from Saturday night's 27-17 preseason victory over the Carolina Panthers after coming down with flulike symptoms, and their teammates expressed concern that swine flu was a possibility.

"We've all been warned to be careful and make sure you wash your hands and don't put your hands on your face," Dolphins linebacker Akin Ayodele said after the game.

However, sources close to the situation told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora that they don’t believe either player has swine flu, as some reports have said.

Smith and Allen underwent tests and remained at the team hotel during the game. Afterward, the Dolphins said they didn't yet have the test results.

"Nothing is confirmed," coach Tony Sparano said.

Smith's agent, David Canter, said his client already was feeling better and planning to take part in the team's next practice Monday.

"I was with Sean no more than two hours ago," Canter said. "He seems better, and he's good to go."

Smith was replaced at starting cornerback by fellow rookie Vontae Davis. Allen is a backup safety.

Quarterback Chad Pennington said swine flu was never mentioned when players were told that Smith and Allen were ill. But running back Ronnie Brown said players considered the virus -- also known as H1N1 -- a possibility.

"You see it on TV," Brown said. "To actually have it be close -- you read so much about it, but to have it affect you a little, that's kind of scary. We have to make sure to wash our hands, stay clean, be careful and do the right things."

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

(This is not good at all and if it spreads could delay the season. - mesa)