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

Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported Thursday that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel revealed five players on last year's roster accounted for half of the team's internal fines for violations such as being late.

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.

McDaniel said receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and LB Jaelen Phillips could return to practice this week. "We'll see how it plays out."

Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa are rebuilding their connection after the comments Hill made last year. Mike McDaniel speaks on the growth he sees.

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.”