Miami DT Dixon leaves practice in ambulance

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Miami defensive tackle Antonio Dixon was taken to a hospital by ambulance after apparently suffering effects from the strong heat and humidity Wednesday during practice.

The team said Dixon was in good condition, and he was expected to stay at Doctor's Hospital overnight as a precaution. Miami coach Randy Shannon had originally said Dixon was suffering from dehydration, but the team later said his ailment was unclear.

Dixon, a 6-foot-3, 322-pound projected starter, is the third player in the last two days to leave practice early. Running backs Damien Berry and Lee Chambers left Tuesday's practice early due to dehydration.

Plus, several players cramped during Saturday's opening session, when the heat index was in the mid-90s by late morning.

Dixon said he lost more than 20 pounds this offseason, partly because of injuries that have plagued him in his career with the Hurricanes, partly because he has struggled with playing in the extreme South Florida heat in the past.

Wednesday's practice was Miami's first in full pads, lasting two hours with the heat index in the mid-90s.