MIAMI GARDENS — He produced throughout training camp.
He produced against the New England Patriots: three defensive snaps played, three tackles. One was for a 6-yard loss.
So what does Miami Dolphins linebacker Willie Gay Jr. have to do to get on the field?
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“Just wait my time, man,” Gay said. “All I can do is just, when my number is called, be as productive as I possibly can be. That’s really all it is, whether it’s two plays or 20 plays. I just want to do my job.”
Gay was in at nickel against the Patriots but is listed as Jordyn Brooks’ backup at inside linebacker. The other inside linebacker, Tyrel Dodson, wears the green dot and relays calls from coordinator Anthony Weaver to the rest of the defenders.
Since Gay had no experience wearing the dot during training camp, does that limit the avenues to get Gay more playing time? Gay doesn’t think so.
“Oh, it wouldn’t be hard at all,” he said of wearing the dot. “Obviously, just take some reps and get my feet wet at that position, with commanding the defense. But it’s still just linebacker, you know. That’s an instinctual position. I definitely can do that.”
Gay stepping in for Dodson does not appear to be in the cards.
“There’s no reason to even have that conversation,” Weaver said.
That would leave Gay to either spell Brooks or slip in at nickel.
“I’ve got to get Willie on the field,” Weaver said. “I think he’s an impactful player for us.”
Gay, 27, is a six-year NFL veteran with a Super Bowl ring from his time in Kansas City.
Against the Patriots, Gay played nine snaps on special teams, matching the total amount of action he saw in the opener vs. Indianapolis. His highlight vs. the Patriots was a tackle for loss against Rhamondre Stevenson.
“I had a lot of fun out there, whether it was special teams or the three defensive plays,” Gay said. “Just being out there on the field, it’s fun to make a play, to actually be in on a play, make a tackle. It’s a confidence boost. …
“I’m in one play and I made a play, so I’m thankful for it.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Willie Gay Jr.: What must Miami Dolphins’ ‘impactful’ LB do to get on the field?
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
