MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel met with reporters as this weekend’s opener at Indianapolis approached.
Many questions focused on the status of key players such as Tyreek Hill, new tight end Darren Waller and new placekicker Riley Patterson, who is replacing Jason Sanders while he’s on injured reserve for the first four games.
Highlights:
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How is Tyreek Hill in practice and is he healthy?
McDaniel says receiver Tyreek Hill is making good progress working with Tua Tagovailoa. And his oblique injury has improved.
How much work can TE Darren Waller handle? How much are Dolphins depending on him?
The team continues to be “very intentional” in how much work tight end Darren Waller gets in practice. He has not practiced three straight days “intentionally.”
“The intentionality of bringing Darren here was real, but we’re also working through the process of playing good football, not depending on Darren,” McDaniel said. “So what does that mean? That means just like the situation with Tyreek Hill, where him not being on the field allows for other evaluation and growth of the team. You don’t perceive it immediately as ideal. There’s good residuals, and Darren’s the exact same way.”
McDaniel says the Dolphins want Waller to challenge himself to have “a long-season vision.”
What is McDaniel’s advice for the rookies making their NFL debuts?
Week 1 is challenging to the veterans. McDaniel wants the vets to “set an example” for the rookies who will be playing their first NFL game. And with it being on the road, rookies have to accept the crowd cheering only when plays happen that they wished didn’t happen.
Finally, it’s Week 1, and it feels different in Miami Dolphins’ facility
McDaniel was asked about a possible heightened anticipation now that we’re in Week 1.
“You don’t get into football to practice and meet,” he said. “Although our meetings are very fun.”
What’s the latest on new kicker Riley Patterson?
On kicker Riley Patterson, who is filling in for injured Jason Sanders:
“Everything that I’ve seen of him thus far, he’s given me no reason not to fully entrust (him).”
Sept. 7 season opener
Dolphins at Colts
1 p.m., CBS; streaming on Hulu, NFL+, Paramount+ and YouTube
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel manages expectations for new tight end Darren Waller
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
