Dolphins’ McDaniel updates status of injured players, decisions on lineup changes, Poyer
The Dolphins are pretty healthy in mid November, by NFL standards, but they won’t be getting back one of their starting cornerbacks or any of their injured edge rushers back this week.
Cornerback Kendall Fuller remains in concussion protocol, and Mike McDaniel said he’s “pessimistic” about his availability for Sunday’s home game against the Patriots (1 p.m., CBS). Fuller was doing stationary bicycle work on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Cam Goode are not yet ready to return to practice, McDaniel indicated. Both sustained knee injuries late last season and remain on the physically unable to perform list. Meanwhile, Jaelan Phillips has begun rehabilitation on his surgically-repaired torn ACL but is out for the season.
McDaniel said the Dolphins will not be designating long snapper Blake Ferguson to return this week, but has said previously that he expected Ferguson to play again this season. Long snapper Tucker Addington has one practice squad elevation remaining.
Asked about Tyreek Hill’s decision to hold off on potential wrist surgery until after the season, McDaniel said: “His best interest is our best interest. We didn’t put the burden on him exclusively. Whatever is best for him is best for the team. There was good conversation and opinions, weighing pros and cons. It was a healthy process.”
McDaniel addressed other issues:
▪ He said the reason that cornerback Storm Duck played ahead of Cam Smith against Las Vegas was “a little assignment related, matchup related.”
McDaniel said it wouldn’t be accurate to say “one is over the other. I’m really happy the last month with the development of Cam. What Storm was doing and the game plan for that particular opponent, we thought against the Raiders, that Storm would be the best answer for that.”
▪ The Dolphins have replaced starters at several positions this season, and McDaniel explained that on Wednesday:
“The second they get in the building,... it’s important people understand you’re entitled to nothing in this world. The best players have to play and that’s my job to follow through with that. I look at who earned the opportunities. I don’t believe in sending message at the expense of someone’s career.
“No one is entitled to a thing. We’re not entitled to go out there and win based upon X, Y, or Z. You have to go earn it. You’re not entitled to any position in the National Football League. And if you think you are then you’re very delusional, because there are very sought-after positions, coaching and playing, and the competition is fierce. So you better be up for the challenge, or someone will be found to rise to the occasion.”
Linebacker David Long Jr. (subsequently released), tight end Durham Smythe and running back Raheem Mostert all have lost starting jobs this season.
How does McDaniel handle communication with players whose roles are changing?
“If you anticipate a reduced role, you have conversations direct with the position coach. Sometimes that’s followed up by me. If you are a starter and not going to start anymore, I’ll probably talk to you. If it’s a minor tweak, the position coach usually handles it alone. Then there’s the in-game adjustments.”
▪ On Patriots rookie quarterback Drake May: “I see a true quarterback who has the ability to gain the confidence of his teammates and lead and orchestrate an offense. A guy who can make plays in a multitude of ways.”
▪ Asked how safety Jordan Poyer has played, McDaniel said: “There are absolute plays he could be better at... There are some plays Po definitely has a higher expectation of himself. [But] I’m very happy with his play overall and what he brings to our defense.”
McDaniel said Jevon Holland likely would say that he “plays his best” alongside Poyer.
This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 1:48 PM.
