Mr. Popular
Dolphins rookie and London native Jay Ajayi has been a valuable resource to teammates.
LONDON — Several of the Dolphins played in last year’s game in London. But for those who didn’t, there’s an added expert on this year’s roster.
Rookie running back Jay Ajayi was born in the Hackney borough of London. Ajayi, whose British accent was more pronounced as he took the podium to speak to reporters after Friday’s practice, moved to the United States in 2000, attending high school in Texas and college at Boise State.
“As soon as we saw the London trip and everyone found out that I was British, I definitely got all those questions: ‘Where are the spots to go?’ ‘I’m going to be following you around.’ And everything like that,” said Ajayi, who is on injured reserve with a rib ailment.
“So, yeah, I guess you could say that I’ve become a little bit more popular since we’re over here now.”
The Dolphins landed Friday morning, went to their hotel briefly, then headed over to Allianz Park for a walk-through practice in preparation for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets at Wembley Stadium. (Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m London time, or 9:30 a.m. Eastern.)
Strong safety Reshad Jones missed last year’s trip overseas as he was serving a four-game suspension. Although he hadn’t spent much time in London by Friday afternoon when the Dolphins concluded practice, he seemed to like being in England for the first time.
“It’s cool,” he said. “I just want to embrace it. Football made me be able to come over to a different country and be able to play, and that’s always nice, so it’s cool.” The big difference? “The way they talk is a little different,” Jones said. “But it’s a cool atmosphere.”
Ajayi said he’ll try to attend the Rugby World Cup, a huge event, on Saturday. The big match is between England and Australia.
“I’m hoping for England to win all the way,” Ajayi said, “so that’s my prediction.”
And the big game on Sunday — meaning, of course, Arsenal vs. Manchester United in the Premier League?
“I will be following that as well,” Ajayi said, “and cheering my Gunners on all the way.”
That’s Arsenal, for those who don’t know. They play soccer.
New year, different feel?
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill said he expects Sunday’s game to feel different from last year’s London game against the Oakland Raiders.
“I think it’ll feel a little different inside just because last year I came out of the tunnel and everyone’s holding up Oakland Raiders signs,” he said. “I was like, ‘There’s so many Oakland fans here.’
“Well, they weren’t Oakland fans, they just got passed out little signs. So hopefully this year they say, ‘Dolphins.’ ”
This year, the Dolphins are designed as the home team, after being the visitors last time.
When speaking to the media, Tannehill was informed that iconic Big Ben, the clock tower in London, is 103 yards tall. He was asked if he could throw a football over it.
“One hundred and three yards?” Tannehill asked. “No. Good luck finding someone who can throw it 103 yards.”
No toilet paper issues
The New York Jets brought their own toilet paper to England. Dolphins coach Joe Philbin didn’t think that was necessary for his team.
“Last time it was great to me,” he said, “so we didn’t bring any.”
Injury updates
Left tackle Branden Albert (left hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. Most likely, Jason Fox will start in his place for the second consecutive game.
Tight end Jordan Cameron (groin) and running back Jonas Gray (calf ) are listed as questionable, and defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (back) is probable. As expected, tight end Dion Sims (concussion) has been ruled out for the third consecutive game. Sims was injured in the opener at Washington.