The Associated Press

PHOENIX - Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork practiced with No. 1 Miami on Friday for the first time since his second family tragedy of the season.

Wilfork's mother's died Dec. 16, five weeks after suffering a stroke. Her death added to an already difficult year for the 6-foot-2, 350-pound sophomore whose father died in June from kidney failure as a result of diabetes.

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"I'm doing good," Wilfork said. "There are things I dealt with, but I'm over that right now and I'm ready to play football. I know that's what she would want me to do. I'll be a lot better as the days go along."

Wilfork, who leads the Hurricanes with 15 tackles for losses and 29 quarterback hurries, missed a week of practice to be with his family. Even though coach Larry Coker said Wilfork had fallen behind in conditioning, he expects the lineman to contribute against No. 2 Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

"He's been away from it for a little longer than the other guys," Coker said. "It's going to take him a little longer to get back in it, but we've got as full week before we play. He'll be fine."

While Wilfork returned, two starters missed the team's first practice in Arizona on Friday afternoon. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Jamaal Green were not expected to arrive until Friday night. Vilma had prior permission to arrive late, Coker said, and Green was delayed by winter storms in his hometown in New Jersey.