Randy Starks missed practice today due to a non-football personal reason, coach Joe Philbin said this afternoon.
As to the status of Jabar Gaffney for Sunday's game, the Dolphins wide receiver seems very optimistic about his chances of playing against the New York Jets. Philbin, meanwhile, is a little more cautious.
I asked Gaffney about his work at practice today and he said today was his best practice since he's been with the team. "I'm definitely ready to play," Gaffney added.
Frankly, I'm eager to see what Gaffney is able to do once he gets acclimated with the Miami calls and checks. He is a bona fide and experienced No. 2 wide receiver and his addition would give the Dolphins flexibility to expand what they do in the passing game. And that, in turn, could help open lanes for a running game that lately has been bogged down by teams loading up.
So Gaffney learning the system is important.
"I'm a lot better than I was when I first got here," Gaffney said. "I've gotten better with each and every practice and it's helped me play rather than just thinking. I would have to say today was my best practice, definitely better than Monday."
Philbin wasn't quite ready to say Gaffney will be active against the Jets -- which would be the first game being active for the player.
"He looked good in practice," Philbin said. "I thought he's doing some things well."
But, again, no word on whether Gaffney is going to be active. The coach suggested he wants to see more Thursday and Friday.
