McDaniel August 31 Media Session Highlights
Head coach Mike McDaniel spoke to reporters at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Thursday.
Here were the highlights of that media session:
-- The first question deals with RB Jeff Wilson Jr. landing on IR, which was perhaps the most surprising move Thursday. McDaniel confirmed Wilson is dealing with a midsection injury compounded by a finger injury. McDaniel has no timetable, but says "I wouldn't be surprised if he made a return this season," which actually sounds a bit ominous.
-- De'Von Achane is expected to be ready to get some prep work ahead of the regular season opener against the Chargers.
-- Fellow running back Salvon Ahmed might be back at practice Thursday and, if not, he's expected to be ready to go next week.
-- The league is very aware of Braxton Berrios as a returner, McDaniel says. What's been fun to watch is his development within the offense.
-- The decision to keep Julian Hill over sixth-round pick Elijah Higgins was about "earning your position" at work. McDaniel says it wasn't a reflection on Higgins, but more about Hill developing and earning the trust of his teammates. McDaniel said it was a close competition.
-- Higgins, it should be pointed out, was claimed by five teams Wednesday (according to ESPN reporter Field Yates), the most of any player on the wire. He was awarded to the Arizona Cardinals based on their priority ranking.
-- McDaniel reveals he's the one responsible for the placement of players within the locker room, which mixes up positions — Dolphins players in the past often were grouped by position.
-- "Outstanding focus," is what McDaniel says he's seen from Raheem Mostert this summer. Praises him for focusing on his job amid all the rumblings about the Dolphins being in the mix to acquire big-name running backs (like Dalvin Cook and Jonathan Taylor, for example).
-- McDaniel is asked whether he's ready to make announcements regarding position battles and he declines, saying there's still practices to be conducted. Maybe the biggest position in doubt at this time is who'll be the No. 2 QB between Mike White and Skylar Thompson — the prediction here remains White.
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