Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Parkey returning home
New kicker a product of Jupiter High
DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins’ decision-makers admit they ignored Cody Parkey’s worst NFL game when deciding to claim him Monday and make him their new kicker.
Coincidentally, that game was against the Dolphins.
Last year, in his first week with the Browns, Parkey’s struggles helped Miami beat Cleveland, 30-24, in overtime.
Parkey, who played at Jupiter High before going on to kick for Auburn, missed three field goals in that Sept. 24 meeting at Hard Rock Stadium, including what would have been a game-winner from 46 yards on the final play of regulation.
Parkey also missed from 41 yards in the first quarter and 42 yards in the third. He had signed with the Browns that week to replace Patrick Murray, who suffered a knee injury that got him placed on injured reserve.
Parkey rebounded from that game, making 20-of-22 field goals from that point.
“I just didn’t even count that game,” coach Adam Gase said Monday, referring to the Parkey’s three-year career. “He’s been around for a minute, so there’s a lot of trust there.
“There was a guy out there that we liked and we decided to make a change,” Gase also said, explaining the decision to claim Parkey and waive Andrew Franks, the Dolphins’ kicker for the past two seasons.
Franks made 29-of-37 field goals with Miami.
Parkey — who had been placed on waivers by the Browns over the weekend as they finalized their roster — is expected to be an upgrade over Franks on kickoffs. Only 19 of Parkey’s 57 kickoffs were returned last season.
He’s made 55 of 65 field goals in the 33 games he’s played with the Eagles and Browns.
“Couldn’t have been a better spot for me to land than here because I grew up a Dolphins fan and this is close to home,” Parkey said. “I get to kick in some warm weather, so that’s also good news.”
Larsen.
“He’s done a really good job and has flexibility to do multiple positions,” Gase said, pointing out Steen has had to play center during the preseason, which led to Davis starting three of the four exhibition games at guard.
Larsen, sidelined by a torn biceps injury, was placed on injured reserve Monday. He’ll be one of two Dolphins players allowed to return from IR, but he isn’t eligible to play until Miami’s Nov. 5 game against the Oakland Raiders.
Taking Larsen’s place on the 53-man roster is
(St. Thomas Aquinas), who was resigned Monday.
Young was released by the Dolphins over the weekend, and Gase said that decision came down to NFL rules that required Larsen be on the initial 53-man roster
Young Sam
so he could be one of the injured players designated to return.
According to league sources, Young was offered a contract by another team and the Dolphins fully guaranteed his 2017 salary to resign him.
Young, an eighth-year veteran, joined the Dolphins last season and played in eight games, making one start at offensive tackle.
Davis, a converted tackle, will serve as Steen’s backup at left guard. Young and
an undrafted rookie, will serve as the backup tackles for
and
Eric Smith, Laremy Tunsil Ja’Wuan James. Jake Brendel Mike Pouncey’s Isaac Jermon
center backup, and rookie will serve as backup at
Asiata Bushrod’s
is right guard.
Steen will continue to work at center and guard during practice, but he is excited about beginning the season as a starter.
“Last year was a big step, especially going at center never doing it. I’d just say, stay focused, stay in the game,” he said. “Hopefully I won’t be as nervous. I know the magnitude of each and every game and hopefully we can go out there and work together as a team and get a [win].”