Dolphins’ Cam Smith, awaiting first defensive snap, on where he stands. And Zach’s events
When Jalen Ramsey sustained a knee injury early in Dolphins training camp, it appeared to create an opportunity for second-round rookie cornerback Cam Smith.
But five games into the season, Smith still hasn’t played a single snap on defense. An offseason filled with such promise — including numerous pass breakups in practices — has been followed with a role limited exclusively to special teams work. In one game, he was a healthy scratch.
Has not having a defensive role tested his patience?
“Obviously as a competitor, you want to be out there,” Smith said at his locker last week. “Seeing everybody being out there making plays, you always want to be a part of that.
“It’s trying to not let that get in my head and mess up my practicing. I’m just staying the course so I can make sure when my time comes I can capitalize on the opportunity.”
Smith said he thought he might get to play late in the Bills’ 48-20 win against the Dolphins on Oct. 1 but coaches didn’t insert him. Instead, Kelvin Joseph logged six snaps.
Coaches “didn’t say anything” to him about why he didn’t play, Smith said, while not complaining about it.
“I was mad I was inactive for the Broncos game [a 70-20 Dolphins blowout win]. I could have gotten in that game.”
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has said he wants to see consistency from Smith at practice.
Smith, who was beaten for a touchdown in the preseason finale at Jacksonville, was asked what he believes he needs to show to get defensive snaps.
“Separate myself in every practice rep, run to the ball, make sure my effort is known,” Smith said. “Not the tangible things, but the intangible things. Making sure I’ve got energy, making sure everything else is squared away, so I can make myself look different than everybody else. There are a lot of good players out here.”
Ramsey has been offering tips and counsel as he heals from his knee injury.
“It’s on the practice field, as soon as a play is being made, we talk about what I could have done different. He will give me a new tool to use. It’s little nuances of the game.”
Ramsey is moving well and is expected back next month or in December. Cornerback Nik Needham, who hasn’t played in a game since tearing his Achilles tendon last October, is on Day 8 of a 21-day period after which he must be moved to the 53-man roster or ruled out for the season. Needham is expected back this season.
So the window for Smith to play, barring additional injuries, might be closing.
Fangio has been using Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou for every snap during competitive games, with Eli Apple and Justin Bethel also getting work.
Joseph, acquired from Dallas for Noah Igbinoghene, has played 21 defensive snaps after logging 164 and 166 defensive snaps for the Cowboys the past two seasons.
Cornerback Parry Nickerson has played 19 defensive snaps after logging 17 defensive snaps for Minnesota last season.
Miami would have nine cornerbacks if they activate Needham and Ramsey without removing a cornerback from the 53-man roster. That would be an unusually high number.
THIS AND THAT
In the wake of Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill tweeting that the NFL has fined him “more than $100,000,” NFL Network reported that Hill has been fined repeatedly this season for uniform violations but that the cumulative fines are below $100,000.
Part of the fines stem from not wearing socks during games.
▪ Receiver Chase Claypool, acquired from Chicago on Friday in a trade involving late-round draft picks, practiced for the first time as a Dolphin on Wednesday.
Asked about internet speculation that the 6-4 Claypool could play tight end, McDaniel said he’s a wide receiver but “I don’t want to limit a player to what he can or can’t do... I can tell he’s definitely attentive. He’s paying attention to everything.
“The offense he had been in [with Chicago] is similar, as opposed to a digit system. There’s west coast lineage. He knows the standard. our coaches have spent extra time with him. We will get him out there [in a game] when he’s ready or able.”
▪ McDaniel said Carolina quarterback Bryce Young is “a baller with a bright future. His vision is uncanny and his timing and rhythm, you can see he’s going to be a very good player in this league in my opinion.”... McDaniel talked about the uniqueness of Raheem Mostert’s running style: “He treats almost every play like a kick return.”
▪ Observed in the brief media viewing session of Wednesday’s practice: Center Connor Williams — who returned on Sunday from a groin injury — was absent for undisclosed reasons.
Fullback Alec Ingold also wasn’t at practice; he was in a walking boot on Monday but insisted he was fine and would play against Carolina.
ZACH THOMAS CELEBRATION
Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, will be honored by the team this week.
At halftime of Sunday’s game against Carolina (1 p.m., CBS) Thomas will address fans and display his 14-carat gold Hall of Fame ring.
Thomas will participate in a pregame tailgate with other Dolphins alums and will be at midfield for the pre-game coin toss.
On Saturday, the Dolphins will hold a private reception for Thomas, his family, former teammates and Dolphins officials at the team’s training facility. On Saturday night, the Dolphins will hold a private celebratory VIP party at the MIA Autodrome Paddock Club, part of the organization’s F1 racing track at Hard Rock Stadium.
On Monday, Thomas will join other former Dolphins players and team corporate sponsors for the Alumni Weekend Golf Tournament at Fort Lauderdale Country Club.
“We are proud to honor Zach for his accomplishments and excited to celebrate him alongside his family, teammates and Dolphins fans this weekend,” Dolphins vice chairman, president and CEO Tom Garfinkel said in a statement.
“Zach’s leadership, worth ethic and dedication to this franchise and the South Florida community throughout his 12 seasons as a Miami Dolphin exemplify why his legacy is now forever cemented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It is our pleasure to celebrate Zach as we congratulate him on this incredible feat and recognize him as one of the greatest Dolphins of all time.”
Thomas played 12 of his 13 NFL seasons with the Dolphins, made five Pro Bowls and has the fifth most tackles in NFL history.
▪ CBS is sending Sunday’s 1 p.m. Panthers-at-Dolphins game only to South and Central Florida, the Carolinas, Hawaii (because of Tua Tagovailoa) and Birmingham, Ala. Kevin Harlan and Trent Green have the call. Here are the TV regionalization maps.
This story was originally published October 11, 2023 at 2:35 PM.
