Tannehill helping out Miami offense

DAVIE — Ryan Tannehill isn’t playing for the Miami Dolphins this season, but that doesn’t mean the team’s former starting quarterback isn’t contributing to the offense.

Tannehill has been at the facility every day since suffering his second knee injury and also attends all meeting and games, where he can be spotted on the sidelines working with Miami’s receivers and quarterbacks.

Coach Adam Gase revealed that Tannehill, who underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee two months ago and faces a 9-12 month rehabilitation, routinely makes game-plan recommendations during the week and play-calling suggestions to him during games.

“It’s not a ton but it seems to be at the right time,” Gase said. “He has a good feel. He knows me well enough to know when a good time is and when it isn’t a good time. It’s almost like he’s playing the game. It’s very helpful for me because he’s got a very good grasp of what our offense is and what we’re trying to accomplish. He knows the right way to kind of defuse me when I’m going off the rails.”

Tannehill also sits through quarterback and offensive meetings, and has helped Jay Cutler’s transition as his replacement. However, this isn’t the first time Tannehill has served as a playercoach. He played a similar role last season when Matt Moore replaced him as Miami’s starter for the season’s final four games.

“He’s always up to date with what’s going on with who we’re playing, what their scheme is, what are some of the things we should lean on,” Gase said. “He’s been good just trying to give me suggestions.”

Before each game Tannehill can be spotted throwing passes on the field, but his movement is significantly restricted because he hasn’t been cleared to run on his surgically repaired left knee, which no longer requires a brace. The Dolphins anticipate Tannehill, who is slated to earn $17.5 million in 2018, will be healthy enough to participate in the team’s offseason program next summer.