Dolphins Updates

• Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel addressed WR Tyreek Hill‘s recent drop issues, stating: “Drops happen in the game of football … but there’s technique to catching the football that a lot of time, you get wary of people getting passive when the ball is in the air.” (Marcel Louis-Jacques)
• McDaniel praised Hill for having a “phenomenal week” in practice, emphasizing “the way he attacked the ball. He was catching a ton of footballs and doing so aggressively.” (Barry Jackson)
• On the release of OLB Shaquil Barrett, McDaniel explained it was permitted as it “didn’t present a competitive disadvantage for us.” (Jackson)
• Reflecting on the turnaround from a 2-6 start, McDaniel noted: “The team that I hoped we were when looking in the mirror at 2-6, we are hungry to make us 6-2 from that juncture. Watching people deal with adversity and noise. Do you point fingers or get into the lab?” (Joe Schad)
• Dolphins DL Calais Campbell discussed postseason aspirations, saying: “We control what we can control. We’ve got to focus on what we’ve got to do. Hopefully the football Gods bless us.” (Schad)
• Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert disclosed he had suffered a fractured sternum earlier this season. (Schad)

Injury Report: Tyreek Hill

WR Tyreek Hill has been struggling with a wrist injury this season, which has affected his performance. Miami’s WR coach Wes Welker revealed that Hill is also managing an ankle injury, limiting his practice time with QB Tua Tagovailoa.

“The hard part is he’s dealing with the wrist,” Welker mentioned, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “He’s got an ankle. There’s always stuff through the year. As you get older, you get all those reps of knowing how to play the position. How do we put the best product out there on Sunday while being fresh? It’s a fine balance. This is definitely something we can revisit this offseason and come up with a plan. When guys have issues and are trying to play through them, just trusting your players is key — checking in on how they feel each day.”

Patriots Outlook

Patriots DE Keion White is experiencing a challenging phase after a promising start to the season. White is introspective about his performance and uncertain about his future with the team.

“I’m going to try to get through these next two games and then figure it out after that, seeing where the cards may lie for my future,” White stated, via Karen Guergian of Mass Live. “In general, anything is possible in the NFL. It’s a production-based business. You just have to figure out your next step … something has got to change.”

Patriots HC Jerod Mayo expressed appreciation for White’s self-assessment, believing it would contribute to his development.

“It’s commendable for Keion to reflect honestly on his performance. You have to be honest with yourself — that’s crucial for coaches and players alike,” Mayo explained. “Recognizing where improvement is needed is challenging, and Keion is making efforts this week to enhance his performance, whether it involves extra work or treatment.”

New England OLB coach Drew Wilkins also shared insights on the developmental process of pass rushers, emphasizing the non-linear nature of their growth.

“The development of an edge rusher isn’t always a straightforward path,” Wilkins noted. “It can vary from game to game depending on whether the focus is on pass rushing, coverage, or other aspects, leading to fluctuations in performance.”

• Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte has made significant progress this season, recording 32 receptions for 444 yards and two touchdowns. Mayo praised Boutte for his “tremendous growth”: “He’s shown tremendous growth off the field.” (Mark Daniels)
• Regarding WR Ja’Lynn Polk, who has only 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns, OC Alex Van Pelt remarked that they remain hopeful: “Sometimes, things don’t go your way, and you have to prove yourself out of it. I’m not down on him at all.” (Daniels)