Dolphins rookie offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil was a left tackle in college but is projected to start at left guard in Week One. That’s the position he’s been playing in the preseason, and a position where he still says he has a lot to learn. “Looking at the film I feel like I played pretty good,” Tunsil said, via the Palm Beach Post. “I still need some improvement. I still need some work.” While many starters sit out the final preseason game, Tunsil will play on Thursday night, as the Dolphins try to give him as much work as possible at his new position before he plays it in the games that count. “I’m going to continue to get better every day,” Tunsil said. “Keep listening to the coaches, keep listening to the vets.” That’s what the Dolphins will need Tunsil to do to be ready to start at left guard in 11 days. Me - on one hand I really want him to get some more work. On the other hand, being a rookie, what is he going to have left in the tank? So. Florida heat, more games (18 + 4 preseason) then he's ever played in a season. But is one game going to matter?
This is a case of everyone knowing that Tunsil should have been running with the starters from the jump. Now he needs more time to gel. God help Gase if Tunsil gets hurt...the irony would be that Gase has been overly cautious with injuries thus far. There's also a matter of resting up for the start of a long season.
I understand the logic behind it, but better pray Tunsil doesn't get hurt. Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
As long as he isn't injured, I think its a fine call. He needs the reps, and there are 11 days between games. I don't think its an energy issue, as he'll likely only play the first quarter or so.
Thats my view exactly. If he needs more reps. he needs to play. What good is having him "healthy" going to do if he isn't physically or mentally prepared to do the job? The coaches think, through filmwork, he could use this game to improve/process information. If he gets hurt, he gets hurt...just as likely he'll get hurt game one as it is he'll get hurt this one. You don't have to play a game to get hurt. Look at TB in Minnesota. I"m not sure more guys shouldn't be playing. Has anyone been over impressed with anyone this preseason?
What I don't like is that in the preseason you often see cheap shots from borderline players trying to prove their "toughness". I don't mind him playing. I do mind him playing against 3rd and 4th stringers who will view him as a target, someone they have to beat to show the coaches how good they are.
He wont be worn out. Anybody who has played sports in south florida growing up knows multiple practices are much more tiring than any game, let alone a preseason game.
