Flores reveals best way to make big impression

Players who can ‘carve out a role’ in kicking game will get more reps

DAVIE — If a Miami Dolphins player wants to impress new coach Brian Flores and carve out a bigger role, he should do it on special teams.

“You make plays in the kicking game, you make a name for yourself in the kicking game here in this organization, that means a lot to me. If guys want to impress me, do it in the kicking game,” Flores said during his Wednesday news conference.

“That’s where I got started in college. That’s how I got on the field at Boston College. That’s how I broke into coaching in the National Football League. … It’s an important phase of the game to me.”

The Dolphins are in their second week of training camp, hoping to further identify players who can make major contributions during their rebuilding season under Flores’ leadership.

“If a guy wants to impress me, do it there. Carve out a role there. That’s how your reps increase,” Flores continued. “If you do a good job in the kicking game, you get more offensive or defensive snaps. If you do a good job with those snaps, we’ll give you more. That’s how guys evolve and grow in this profession.”

Here are some other news and notes from Flores’ news conference:

The Dolphins activated tight end Dwayne Allen off the physically unable to perform list. Allen, a backup for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots a year ago, is apparently recovering from a knee injury that he suffered towards the end of last season. He finished Wednesday’s practice working inside the Dolphins’ facility with a trainer while walking with a limp.

Flores said wide receiver Albert Wilson continues to work his way back in a limited fashion from a hip injury that ended his breakout season early a year ago.

Flores had plenty of praise for linebacker Jerome Baker, who has emerged as a starter in his new defense.

Flores also praised edge rushers Charles Harris and newcomer Tank Carradine for their work in camp. “It’s always important to see a good pass rush. … We’re really looking for good rushers, pressure on the quarterback,” Flores said.

The Dolphins practiced without linebacker Kiko Alonso, running back Kalen Ballage and tight end Clive Walford, who are out with undisclosed injuries that are not considered serious.

After practice, the Dolphins waived punter Stone Wilson. He joined the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent in May. Wilson was a four-year letterman at Florida International, where he played in 50 games and set school records for most punts (203) and punt yards (8,255).

CARLINE JEAN/SUN SENTINEL Dolphins coach Brian Flores speaks with the media at training camp. Flores said the kicking game is “an important phase of the game.”