Mike McDaniel Breaks Silence on Tyreek Hill & Odell Beckham Jr’s Absence From Dolphins OTAs; Admits Protecting WR’s ‘Horsepower’ in Offseason

Despite the OTAs being underway, the Miami Dolphins receivers have been absent from the scene. In fact, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and the new WR Odell Beckham Jr. have evidently not been participating in the practice sessions. However, while the issue might seem concerning, the new update from coach Mike McDaniel’s side has reflected a thoughtful process behind this step.

The Dolphins head coach took the podium after the training and accounted for all the missing receivers. “There are individual processes through the off-season where they’re at. We haven’t had that opportunity yet, but I’m not in any hurry to see that,” said the coach and added, “Each individual has to earn their keep and earn their targets um and so having all three at the same time isn’t necessarily a big deal to me.”

One of the reporters asked McDaniel about Hill’s absence and how he is managing without the Cheetah in the training camp. The coach mentioned, “Knowing Tyreek’s all-or-nothing type of mindset on the grass, yes, we do take that into account. There’s multiple times that he’s you know, usually trying to talk us into it, but we’re talking him out of participation on the field knowing where his Ferrari horsepower is at and making sure that stays that way.”

It was the coach’s way of asserting that Hill needed to be kept out of “harm’s way.” Currently, the professional is also participating in his project, The Soul Runner Speed Academy, and helping aspiring footballers reach their potential. One of the viral clips of Hill’s training recently has been an intense basketball match against Mecole Hardman. The WR also mentioned how he trains more privately and works on both his physical and mental strength.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, OBJ was captured working out with former Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry. From the looks of it, the new addition to the Dolphins team is ensuring his 100% percent when it comes to practice and preparation. Given the prowess of these players and what they are capable of on the gridiron, it is understandable why the team isn’t exerting much pressure on them.

Thus, the factor that has players like Hill, OBJ, and Waddle not actively participating in voluntary training is to avoid any risk of injury. While Jaylen Waddle is fairly a young player, Tyreek Hill and OBJ need to actively ensure physical fitness, given the responsibility on their shoulders. OBJ, particularly, has a history riddled with injuries where he had multiple ACL tears, sprains, and even a pedal ankle fracture in 2017. Astonishingly, this receiver trio is not the only one missing from the OTAs. There is a huge list of players who are not involved in voluntary training.

Tua Tagovailoa working in a makeshift environment

The Dolphins QB missed last week’s workout to participate in Nick Saban’s charity golf tournament. But now that he’s back, the QB is working with Erik Ezukanma as his receiver, while another receiver Braxton Berrios is working out with the coaches. However, 13 players have missed the OTAs, and three others are working with coaches.

LT Terron Armstead, RB De’Von Achane, Guard Isaiah Wynn, Linebacker Bradley Chubb, left CB Kader Kohou, and inside LB David Long Jr. have been missing from the workout.  Also, CB Jalen Ramsey, Linebacker Jalen Phillips, CB Kendall Fuller, DE Da’Shawn Hand, LB Cam Brown, Cameron Goode, and Shaquil Barrett weren’t spotted.

Nonetheless, it has not been concerning for the team. On top of that, Tua’s teammates have been impressed with his performance in the OTAs. Running Back Raheem Mostert said, “He’s [Tagovailoa] building up that confidence in himself, and you can just tell,” and added, “Even out here making these throws. He’s doing what he needs to do, and that’s what you want to see out of a guy like him,” which spells good news for the Phins.

Watching the QB work with John Beck, Mike McDaniel was left impressed with Tagovailoa’s professionalism. “Just that connectivity to your game and trying to unearth every single inch and iota of professional development,” McDaniel said, “That, in itself, you’re heading in the right direction.” The Dolphins will start their mandatory minicamp from June 4-6 and if there aren’t any complications, we can expect the offensive trio to show up and run some routes on the grass.