After 10 weeks into the season, the Miami Dolphins are 19th in the NFL in sacks with 22. With All-Pro defensive end Cameron Wake out for the season with an Achilles injury, the team decided to make a move in attempts to upgrade their pass rush.
On Tuesday, the Dolphins claimed Quinton Coples off of waivers from the New York Jets. The hybrid defensive end attended Dolphins practice on Wednesday and he said he’s happy to be part of the team.
“I’m happy for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to being back out there and coming out with the win,” Coples said.
Under first-year Jets head coach Todd Bowles, Coples saw his playing time diminish because of a change in scheme. Last season, Coples recorded 35 tackles and 6.5 sacks under former Jets and current Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan.
Coples said he wasn’t given an explanation on why he was released.
“They benched me for whatever reason, so we are moving forward,” Coples said. “This business is about production, so I was prepared for it.”
Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell said Coples history with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum was one of the reasons the team decided to bring him to Miami.
“His talent, his length, the fact that we feel like for us it’s a scheme fit Campbell,” said. “We’re a little light at defensive end as it was and it was a bit of a no-brainer. (Executive Vice President of Football Operations) Mike Tannenbaum had a history with him. He knows who he is, character-wise we know he has really good character and we just feel like we’re about to get the best of Quinton Coples yet, we’re about to get – the best is ahead of him and we’re excited to have him.”
Campbell also said the team hopes he can play on Sunday.
“That’s one of the reasons we got him to use him for the last six (games),” Campbell said. “If we can get him up to speed, we plan on using him.”
Injury Report
Tackle Branden Albert and receiver Jarvis Landry did not practice on Wednesday. Albert was just getting a day off. Landry was listed to have a knee injury on the report, but reportedly it isn’t anything serious.
Jelani Jenkins and Ja’Wuan James also did not practice on Wednesday. Jenkins is still recovering from an ankle injury. James has missed the three games because of a toe injury and according to Dan Campbell isn’t expected to play this week.
Walt Aikens (ankle), Reshad Jones (Pectoral), Brice McCain, Koa Misi, Spencer Paysinger and Kelvin Sheppard participated in practice but were all limited.
Running back Jay Ajayi fully practiced.
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