Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel expects to play his starters at least once more this preseason.
After holding out starters for the first preseason game last year, McDaniel used many for at least a series in the preseason-opener at Chicago.
Now McDaniel plans to give them additional snaps either Aug. 16 at Detroit or Aug. 23 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium.
“I don’t think that will be the last we’ll see of them, whether that’s this week or the following week or maybe a little of both,” McDaniel said after the 24-24 tie with the Bears. “Probably be one game, but I’m keeping my mind open.”
Among the expected starters who did not play in Chicago were receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, linebacker Jaelan Phillips, fullback Alec Ingold, right tackle Austin Jackson and tight end Darren Waller.
“I wanted the starters to play, however I didn’t want starters to play through a minor anything,” McDaniel said, adding that the precautions were such that coaches didn’t even consider if a given player would have been available had this been a regular-season game. “I think their bodies will appreciate that little time off.”
When available, however, those players will see at least spot duty this preseason, leading up to the opener Sept. 7 in Indianapolis.
“Those extra game reps I think are super valuable,” McDaniel said.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel: Starters aren’t finished with preseason
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
