MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel met with reporters following the team’s bye week, with a game against the visiting New Orleans Saints next up.
Much of the talk surrounded which players might be returning off injured lists, including tight end Darren Waller, offensive lineman James Daniels and placekicker Jason Sanders.
The Saints have their own injury issues with running back Alvin Kamara reportedly suffering an MCL strain in his knee during Sunday’s loss to the Falcons and likely out a couple of weeks.
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Here are highlights from McDaniel’s press conference:
What’s the latest on three players on IR?
Regarding players on injured reserve who might be returning soon …
Waller’s window will open Wednesday.
Waller is coming off a pectoral injury. Despite missing the past four games, he is tied for second on the team with four touchdown receptions. Only Jaylen Waddle, with five, has more.
There is no timetable on Daniels, the veteran guard who signed a 3-year, $24 million deal in the offseason even though he was coming off Achilles tendon surgery suffered while playing for the Steelers. He played three snaps in the season-opening loss to the Colts and has been out with a pectoral injury suffered on that first drive.
The Dolphins are “getting closer” on Sanders.
Austin Jackson continues comeback
Right tackle Austin Jackson has “more opportunities” this week to integrate back into the offense.
“I’m excited, as he is, for the uptick” in Jackson’s workload, McDaniel said.
What happens to Larry Borom, who has been starting at right tackle in Jackson’s absence, at that point?
McDaniel expresses reservations that Jackson could enter in Week 13 and play every down. He suggests Borom would remain at RT and perhaps the linemen would rotate.
Meanwhile, McDaniel comments about injured offensive linemen Andrew Meyer and Liam Eichenberg appear to indicate they are on separate paths. McDaniel said the window on Meyer will open “at some point.” There was no update on Eichenberg.
The legend of Daniel Brunskill grows even larger
Who came up with the idea to go with six offensive linemen, inserting Daniel Brunskill?
“You think it’s a good idea?” asked McDaniel.
(Yes.)
“I definitely thought of it.”
McDaniel, turning serious, explained that offensive coordinator Frank Smith and offensive assistants Bobby Slowik and Butch Barry suggested they try it.
“That is an appropriately functioning offensive coaching staff regime.”
McDaniel pointed out that the list of NFL players to start at six different positions can’t be long. (AI thinks the list is one name long: Brunskill’s.)
Brunskill came into San Francisco when McDaniel was also there in “a huge, oversized baggy jersey” for a tryout. He had an impressive workout.
“I never saw him approach a block without confidence.” McDaniel credits Brunskill’s “mental ability to persevere” and take advantage of any opportunity.
“One of my favorite types of NFL players is if they would have listened to people, their careers never would have existed.”
What is the Dolphins’ leadership council?
On the team’s leadership council: McDaniel says it’s separate from the team captains, that the need for the council recognizes that there are more leaders on the team than just players wearing the ‘C’ on their jerseys.
The council is players’ reputation in weekly meetings, often at the start of each week and, if need be, at the end of the week.
“It’s an extension of the captains, everybody you would probably surmise isn’t a captain” but still has leadership qualities,” he said. “I rely on them just like I do the captains.”
Sunday’s gameSaints at Dolphins1 p.m., FOXLine: Dolphins -5 1/2
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins plan to open TE Darren Waller’s window to return
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
