Gase decides to choose six permanent captains for ’18
Tannehill, Kilgore, Aikens, Stills, Wake and McCain picked.
DAVIE — This is not a democracy. It’s football.
The six players the Dolphins sent out as game captains for the coin flip prior to Sunday’s season opener will be permanent captains for the season. That part isn’t surprising.
The unusual thing is coach Adam Gase selected them rather than having the players vote.
He chose wide receiver Kenny Stills, center Daniel Kilgore, defensive back Walt Aikens, cornerback Bobby McCain, defensive end Cameron Wake and quarterback Ryan Tannehill because he believes those six embody the way he’s been coaching the team this year.
“For us, it’s really just that we’re all delivering the same message,” Gase said after Thursday’s practice. “Those guys are vocal guys, and they’re the type of guys that take pride in their group and what side of the ball they are, whether it’s offense or defense or special teams.
“That’s really what we’re looking for. We’re looking for those guys that will step up when things get tough and things aren’t quite going the (right) way. Who’s going to step up and not only play well, but be vocal as well.”
Gase was more than happy to expand on the admirable qualities of the guys he picked. He was less interested in discussing the selection process, which led to the following exchange between him and the South Florida media in Thursday’s news conference:
Who chose the captains?
“Don’t worry about it.”
Did you pick, or the players?
“I did. I picked them.” The players usually vote.
“Right. I changed it this year.”
Why?
“Because I wanted to.”
OK, but why?
“The voices told me to do it.”
Were the players upset about not voting?
“Not that I heard.”
Would you care if they objected?
(Makes face)
You have bigger things to worry about.
“Yeah.”
Injury report: As the Dolphins near their Week 2 game at the Jets, they’re continuing to deal with uncertainty in the starting lineup. It’s possible their depth will be tested with DeVante Parker still working his way back from a broken finger and two starting offensive linemen hurt.
Here are some updates from Thursday morning’s practice:
■ Parker was active for the portion of practice open to the media. He still had two of his fingers taped together but ran routes and caught passes at full speed.
■ Left guard Josh Sitton was not on the field. He has been out this week with a shoulder injury and is in doubt for Sunday’s game. Veteran guard Ted Larsen, who was signed last year to be the starting left guard, would likely take his place.
■ Defensive end William Hayes has his right hand in a cast.
■ Left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who has been working through a hamstring injury, continued to practice.
■ Running back Frank Gore was on the field, but it did not appear that he would be practicing in full. Gore is not believed to be injured, but the Dolphins are going to give him rest days throughout the season.