Dolphins keeping eye on Hurricane Irma
DAVIE — The Dolphins are monitoring Hurricane Irma, which is projected to grow into a Category 4 storm and could threaten South Florida ahead of Sunday’s season opener against Tampa Bay at Hard Rock Stadium.
As of now there are no plans to delay or move the game. But if South Florida is threatened by the storm it’s worth noting the Dolphins and Buccaneers have the same bye week, Nov. 19.
Last season Hurricane Matthew posed a threat to the Oct. 9 game against Tennessee at Hard Rock Stadium. The storm eventually curved away from South Florida and hit northeast Florida. The Tennessee game, a 30-17 loss that dropped the Dolphins to 1-4, was played with no weather-related issues.
But even as late as Wednesday of that week, four days prior to the game, the Dolphins said they hadn’t yet discussed plans to move the game.
Titans coach Mike Mularkey raised red flags when he incorrectly stated on his weekly radio show there’s “a very slight chance that game could be moved up here. There’s been some discussion because of it.”
It turned out the only discussions were internal talks among Titans staff members, not talks with the Dolphins or the NFL.
Hard Rock Stadium’s $500 million renovation includes reinforced hurricane-resistant materials.
Franks waived; Parkey signed
The Miami Dolphins were awarded two players off waivers on Sunday, adding inside linebacker Justin March-Lillard and kicker Cody Parkey. To make room the Dolphins waived kicker Andrew Franks, in somewhat of a surprising move, and linebacker Trevor Reilly.
Franks, who had no training camp or preseason competition, made 29-of-37 field goals in the last two years with Miami.
Parkey, who was released by Cleveland on Saturday, has played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Browns the past three seasons. He’s made 55-of-65 field goals he’s attempted, and made 81-of-82 extra point attempts.
Coincidentally, Parkey’s struggles against the Dolphins helped Miami beat the Cleveland Browns, 30-24, last season in an overtime game.
In that game Parkey missed three field goals, including what would have been a game-winner from 46 yards on the final play of regulation.
Parkey rebounded from that game, making 20-of-25 field goals in 2016.
March-Lillard was among the 37 players waived by the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
The former Akron standout started five games for the Chiefs, contributing 22 tackles before suffering a hand injury last season, and subsequently getting placed on injured reserve.
Dolphins fill practice squad
The Dolphins filled eight of their 10 practice squad spots, signing quarterback Brandon Doughty, tight end Thomas Duarte, offensive tackle Sean Hickey, wide receiver Malcolm Lewis, cornerback Jordan Lucas, defensive end Cameron Malveaux, wide receiver Drew Morgan and running back De’Veon Smith.
The Dolphins can fill the other two practice-squad spots at any time.