Dolphins' Jones reports after missing 1st day of minicamp
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones rejoined the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday without the new contract he seeks, confident he'll get it.
Jones took part in minicamp after missing the first day of the mandatory sessions because of a contract dispute. He had also skipped Miami's earlier organized team activities, which were voluntary.
Why did Jones decide to return?
''I missed my teammates,'' he said. ''I feel confident that the organization and my agent will work something out.''
Jones is entering the third season of a $28 million, four-year contract. He could be fined about $25,000 for the minicamp session he skipped.
There had been speculation Jones might sit out the start of training camp next month, but he's said he's back for good. The final minicamp practice under new coach Adam Gase is Thursday.
''Everything's behind me. I'm ready to play football,'' Jones said. ''I missed the game, man. I don't want to bring distraction to my team. I talked to a couple of my teammates, and I wanted to be out here with these guys, working, get everything done.''
Jones said he has been working out every day while away from the team, and Gase said the veteran appeared to be a good shape. Gase said Jones is not far behind his teammates, despite the challenge of learning a new defense under a new staff.
''What was he here, an hour and a half? And he was able to go in and practice,'' Gase said. ''It's not that hard.''
Jones was the only NFL player with at least five interceptions and 100 tackles last year. He had career highs in both categories and made the Pro Bowl for the first time.
''We missed our boy,'' center Mike Pouncey said. ''He's obviously our best player on defense, a great football player, and we're just exciting to have him back.''
Notes: Rookie running back Kenyan Drake left the field holding his right hamstring after he was hurt during a special teams drill. Gase had no update after practice. Drake is a third-round pick from Alabama.
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