The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for battle with the New England Patriots this weekend — the formal kickoff to another season of NFL play and the most anticipated season of play for the Dolphins since arguably 2008, when Miami finished 11-5 and won the AFC East. These Dolphins aren’t focused on the big picture thanks to the mantra and coaching of head coach Brian Flores, however. They’re simply focused on the moment. Flores is quick to deliver the same message to the media — they want to get better with focus on a daily basis. And when the *next* opportunity knocks, be ready.
A handful of members of the 2021 Miami Dolphins practice squad should be operating at a higher level of focus this week; because they may well get “the call” this week with Miami set to clash with the Patriots on Sunday. The Dolphins have protected three players on the practice squad; a feature that prevents other teams from poaching PS players each week for a promotion to the active roster. The three players Miami protected?
- QB Reid Sinnett
- DE Jabaal Sheard
- LB Calvin Munson
The Dolphins protected three players on the practice squad this week: LB Calvin Munson, DE Jabaal Sheard and QB Reid Sinnett.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 7, 2021
Sinnett should plan on being a part of the protections on a weekly basis as Miami’s third-string quarterback. The Dolphins aren’t likely to call him up for game day at this point in time unless there is an injury to one of the team’s other two quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa or Jacoby Brissett.
Sheard and Munson, however, are fair game. Sheard is a long-time NFL veteran who has experience in the Patriots system and could be valuable depth as Miami tries to lock horns and shut down the Patriots’ rushing attack. Munson carries value on special teams and could potentially get the call-up based on those opportunities. Or perhaps Miami will avoid their protected players with their ultimate decision to call-up practice squad members on Sunday; either way we at least know Munson, Sinnett and Sheard will be a part of the picture once again next week.