Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Team practices in full pads as coach Adam Gase looks to shake things up.
DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins, days away from going to Pittsburgh for an AFC wild-card playoff game Sunday, were in full pads Wednesday for practice.
Coach Adam Gase said he felt a change was needed.
“After watching what we put out there last week, we needed to do something different,” said Gase referring to his team’s 35-14 home loss to New England.
“We’re not going to stay the same.”
It was the first time in weeks the Dolphins practiced in full pads and players didn’t seem to mind the change in routine.
“I was kind of surprised by it,” center Kraig Urbik said of being in full pads days before Sunday’s 1 p.m. game at Pittsburgh, “but I thought it was great to get out there and hit. It’s one of those things where we’ve had walkthroughs and helmet[-only] type practices and you get [to] the game and you’re full speed, so I think this is a great idea to do this.”
Linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who practiced Wednesday after missing four of the past five games due to a knee injury, also liked being in full pads.
“It was fun for me since I haven’t played in a while,” Jenkins said. “So I got a chance to get some thumping and get used to hitting again, get used to running again.”
And, no, the practice wasn’t too physical for a team that has struggled with injuries all season.
“I feel great after getting after it in practice,” Urbik said. “I don’t feel sore or anything. I liked it a lot.”
Ajayi remains confident
Running back Jay Ajayi rushed for 204 yards against Pittsburgh in October, and while he didn’t predict another type of game like that, he said he’s confident heading into the matchup.
“The confidence level hasn’t changed,” he said. “It’s exciting. Playoff game. Win or go home. The stakes are higher. It’s a great time to showcase your abilities on the big stage.”
Injury update
Cornerback Byron Maxwell (ankle), safety Bacarri Rambo (chest) and quarterback Ryan Tannehill (knee) didn’t practice. Jenkins (knee) was limited.
Gase didn’t sound overly optimistic about the chances of Maxwell playing. Maxwell has missed the past two games after suffering his injury early in the Dec. 17 game at the New York Jets.
“We feel better, but he only can do what he’s able to do right now, and that’s why he’s day-to-day,” Gase said.
“Some days he feels good, and we feel like it’s looking good for him to go, and some days he doesn’t feel so good. We’ve just got to see how the rest of the week goes. It’s been a couple of weeks now, so I’m not really sure how that one’s going to turn out.”
Underdog role old hat for Gase
Gase said he’s not worried about the Dolphins being a 10-point underdog to the Steelers and said his players aren’t worried, either.
“It’s like every other week,” he said. “I don’t know how many games we’ve really been favored to actually win. I don’t know if our guys really pay attention to that. They’re focused on what they have to do.”