With quarterback Jay Cutler still in the concussion protocol, Matt Moore will be taking the first-team reps at practice Wednesday. But Head Coach Adam Gase said no determination has been made as to who will start against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Cutler was injured in the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and Moore rallied the Dolphins from a 20-7 deficit before the Dolphins lost 30-20 on a late field goal and subsequent touchdown on the last-second desperation lateral-fest that followed.
Gase said the day after the game that he saw no reason for Cutler not to start if he's cleared to play, though he acknowledged Wednesday that the time may come this week where he'll have to make a decision on a starter.
Moore made one start this season, but it came in the Thursday night game against the Baltimore Ravens and he didn't have the benefit of live reps because of the short week. This week would be different.
"Anytime you're a quarterback, whether you're a starter or a backup, when you get the reps and you're trying to show the looks that you think you may get, it's beneficial," Gase said. "It's like anything else, if you practice it, it gives you your best chance to execute it when we hit Sunday."
Injury update: Gase said guard Jermon Bushrod (foot) and linebacker Stephone Anthony (knee) were day-to-day after injuries they sustained in the game against Tampa Bay. After Bushrod left the game in the third quarter, Jesse Davis slid over from right tackle to right guard and Sam Young went in at right tackle to finish the game. Offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said that's probably the way the Dolphins would line up if Bushrod can't play against New England.
Hewitt's road back: Linebacker Neville Hewitt returned to the 53-man roster Wednesday, which defensive coordinator Matt Burke called a testament to his determination after he was waived/injured Sept. 2. Hewitt, who appeared in all 32 games for the Dolphins the past two seasons, was promoted from the practice squad after being signed to the unit Oct. 9. "I'm proud of Nev the way he's kind of worked to get himself back," Burke said. "When we released Neville in preseason — he had a tough deal when he got banged up, it was kind of a tough timing issue, we couldn't really hold a spot for him — and I think the last thing I told him when he left was, 'Get your body right, get yourself in shape, keep working and there'll be another opportunity.' I'm some kind of proud of the way he's worked himself back into the mix and excited to see him get a chance."
Rashawn's reward: Wide receiver Rashawn Scott made his first appearance of the season against Tampa Bay, three weeks after being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Scott, who was inactive against Oakland and Carolina, was rewarded for strong work in practice, as well as his ability to contribute on special teams. Scott was active against Tampa Bay instead of second-year player Leonte Carroo. "Just thought Rashawn was having good weeks of practice and kind of get him up, get him that game experience, and see how it went," Gase said. "I think every week it's just going to be keep those guys competing and whoever has a good week, we'll look to put that guy up."
Coming right back: Rookie running back De'Veon Smith is back with the Dolphins, who re-signed him to the practice squad Wednesday. Smith was promoted to the active roster Saturday and waived him Monday. The undrafted free agent from Michigan was inactive against Tampa Bay on Sunday.
