Miami Dolphins glad to have Ndamukong Suh in shape, in town for OTAs

DAVIE, Fla. -- Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of the Miami Dolphins didn't make a habit of attending offseason workouts in Detroit. But he's been much better with the Dolphins this season under first-year coach Adam Gase and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

In fact, Joseph said he didn't request Suh's presence. Suh, who skipped the voluntary veterans minicamp but has attended all three OTAs (Organized Team Activities), is participating on his own accord.

"He wants to be here," said Joseph, the former defensive backs coach in Cincinnati. "He's obviously learning a new system, he's in great shape, he's having fun doing it. I've been really impressed with him so far."

Joseph, who is keeping the Dolphins' 4-3 defense but adding his own touch to the system, said it's significant to have Suh, a four-time All Pro, on the field.

"It means a lot, because my philosophy with this is this: it's obviously voluntary, it's volunteer workouts, but it's also voluntary to be good. So if guys want to be good on defense, they're going to be in town, they're going to be here working."

Suh ended last season with 61 tackles, second-best total in his six-year career, and 6.0 sacks, fourth-best total of his career, was accused of freelancing in the defense last year.

There was also a report he was unhappy with the coaches and schemes, and that one day he wore gym shoes to practice instead of cleats in protest.

Suh worked out at the Nike complex in Oregon during the veterans minicamp, but he hasn't missed any workout since, and the Dolphins haven't had any issues with him so far under Gase and Joseph.

On the other hand, Pro Bowl strong safety Reshad Jones, due $7.2 million next year and $7.0 million in 2017, hasn't attended any OTAs because of a contract dispute.

But Joseph said he has no hard feelings.

"That's a contract matter, that's not my area," Joseph said. "But it won't hold us back, because when guys aren't here I kind of treat them as they're injured for the week.

"I don't even think about it really. I move on with guys who are here, so guys who are here that's who we're coaching, that's who we're going to go forward with until he shows up."

Jones could lose approximately $76,000 if he doesn't show up for next week's three-day mandatory minicamp.

Regardless, Joseph said the show goes on. And he said Jones won't be sending the team any messages if he misses minicamp.

"It's his personal contract matter so it won't be any message in my opinion," Joseph said. "We've got (safety) Michael Thomas out there, we've got (safety) Isa (Abdul-Quddus).

"They're working, so the guys who are here, we're going to work with and focus on those guys."