When Karlos Dansby and other players publicly criticized the Dolphins’ decision to release Chad Johnson in August, coach Joe Philbin told the team that if they had a complaint, to come to him to discuss it, implying they should not express opposing views through the media.

But that didn’t stop amiable linebacker Dansby from giving an honest, critical answer when asked Tuesday whether the Dolphins erred by resting Cameron Wake and Jared Odrick on the first eight snaps of a key Patriots fourth-quarter possession Sunday.

“That’s tough man, that’s tough,’’ Dansby told WQAM-560’s Jorge Sedano, saying he was unaware that Wake wasn’t in the game. “You have to go into the game with players that are going to have an impact. I’m saying they’re starters, they need to be in the game. Period.’’

Philbin seemed uncomfortable with the topic Wednesday, saying that he has not spoken to Dansby but not ruling out a future discussion. “That’s done, that’s been over with,’’ he said.

Wake twice tried to go on the field during that series but was called back by coaches before being reinserted after eight plays. “I want to be in every snap,’’ he reiterated Wednesday. “You have to find a line between common sense and competitiveness.’’

Dansby said: “I know if it was me on the sideline, I’d be raising hell trying to get back in the game.’’

But Wake also added that “I trust the coach’s decision. I don’t think it would have changed the outcome if they hadn’t done that.’’

Acting stints

San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh played a football player on an episode of NBC’s Saved by the Bell: The New Class, in 1996.

Harbaugh played himself — as Screech’s cousin — and said Wednesday that he has been getting quite a bit of grief since footage of that forgotten moment in television history resurfaced this week with links to the video popping up everywhere.

Harbaugh, now 48, filmed the episode while a member of the Indianapolis Colts. It’s not surprising Harbaugh wasn’t offered many more acting gigs, although he did appear in the series The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. in 1994 and played himself on HBO’s Arli$$ in 1997.

“I haven’t seen it, but a lot of people have been asking me about it,” Harbaugh told the South Florida media Wednesday. “It was enjoyable.’’

• The Dolphins re-signed safety Tyrone Culver on Tuesday after cutting him during training camp. On Wednesday, Philbin said Culver had a familiarity with what Miami runs but wasn’t sure how ready Culver was to play.

“We’ll see if we can get him acclimated as quickly as we can and see if he can help us,” Philbin said.

• When Miami went west in September to play the Cardinals, the team left on Friday instead of Saturday as it usually does. The Dolphins will leave for San Francisco a day early this time as well.

“I thought we had an excellent trip from an operational standpoint when we went out west last time,” Philbin said. “Obviously, we want to go out west this time with the same type of focus and attention to the task at hand, but a better outcome.”