Mike McDaniel says it was right to notice how involved players were on the sideline during Miami's first two preseason games.

The Miami Dolphins now have two preseason games down after tying with the Bears in the opener and then escaping

One of the crucial steps for McDaniel in rebuilding Miami's culture was getting rid of distractions. That meant some players had to go.

“Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Dolphins RB De'Von Achane is dealing with a calf injury and likely will not practice this week/ McDaniel said this is ‘preventative in nature' especially because of how explosive of an athlete Achane is,” Louis-Jacques wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel plans to play his starters in at least one more preseason game. Some starters, including Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, did not play in the preseason opener against Chicago. McDaniel believes the extra game repetitions are valuable for the starters.

The Miami Dolphins have a joint practice at the Chicago Bears on Friday, Aug. 8. Here’s what coach Mike McDaniel said before the practice.

MIAMI GARDENS -- Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel met with reporters to offer an update on Bayron Matos, Artie Burns and touch on a variety of other subjects.

That includes FS1’s Colin Cowherd. On Thursday’s episode of The Herd, the outspoken sportscaster said the Dolphins are directionless — and that it starts at the top with head coach Mike McDaniel, who he calls “the snarky hipster.”

MIAMI GARDENS -- Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel met with reporters before Day 12 of training camp. On OL Andrew Meyer: "He's had a great camp, really stepped his game up." But Meyer will be out "weeks." McDaniel says in terms of growth of his game, he's "one of the top performers" in camp. FB Alec Ingold remains in concussion protocol.