MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel met with reporters for the final time before the home opener against the New England Patriots. He ruled out three players for the game.
Highlights:
The Dolphins will be without defensive tackle Benito Jones (oblique).
The interior line will be manned by rookies Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers alongside Zach Sieler.
Running back Jaylen Wright (knee) returned to practice after three weeks out this week, but he has been limited and is likely to rest this week.
Tight end Darren Waller (hip) will not make his Dolphins debut this week.
The Dolphins relied on Tanner Conner and Julien Hill at tight end against the Colts.
The right side of Miami’s offensive line is a concern. Right tackle Austin Jackson (toe) is out. Guard James Daniels was placed on injured reserve.
That means the blind side of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will likely fall into the hands of tackle Larry Borom and guard Kion Smith.
Receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) is expected to play.
McDaniel addressed the players-only meeting following the blowout loss to Indianapolis.
“I think player-led meetings are important. … It is a part of how we do things. What maximizes investment is ownership. It’s important that players feel they have the ability and desire to do that. I think it’s blown a little out of proportion with regard to necessity.”
McDaniel said the way players reacted to the Colts loss is “all the motivation that you need, I think.” Meaning the small percentage of NFL teams that start 0-2 and go on to make the playoffs is not entering the team’s thinking as they prepare to face the Patriots.
What happened at the players-only meeting?
“I didn’t even ask what was going on in the meeting. Didn’t really care. I knew I would see how they responded in practice.”
McDaniel was asked about the offense’s use or non-use of uptempo.
“That’s something that’s always been a part of our offense.” But he adds, “Last game, I think we had two uptempo turnovers” out of three total.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mike McDaniel rules out 3 players for Dolphins’ home opener vs. Patriots
