NAPA. Calif. - Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley spoke with four South Florida-based reporters who traveled to California, before a practice on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Hafley addressed a knee injury to rookie safety Kyle Louis, which will cost him at least four games on injured reserve.
The Dolphins play at the 49ers in Santa Clara on Sunday, Sept. 20.
"Just the time that we thought that he would be back in and we're hopeful that he'll be back, it just made sense," Hafley said. "So I don't think it was a very hard decision. We'll certainly miss him..."
Dolphins add cornerback Jaylin Simpson
The Dolphins added cornerback Jaylin Simpson, 26. Simpson has appeared in one game with the Packers, last season. He entered the league as a fifth-round pick from Auburn.
"Had him in Green Bay," Hafley
said. "He was, you know, we really liked him in the draft. I remember watching him coming out of Auburn, played safety, played nickel, played corner. Very physical. He actually started for us against Minnesota late in the season last year. So I got a chance to see him. I know what he's all about. I know his makeup. He's a tough player. He loves football."
The challenge of stopping Christian McCaffrey
"He's a great runner," Hafley said. "He can hit explosives, he's got big play capability, he's strong, he has good contact balance. The threat of him out of the backfield is, I mean, it's kind of like our guy (De'Von Achane). You got to know where he is. He can catch the ball. He can run routes. He can do it all. I think he's one of the best backs in this league, and I have a ton of respect for him."
Hafley vs. Shanahan matchup
Dolphins coach Hafley and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan worked together in Cleveland and San Francisco.
"Kyle and I kind of hit it off, talked football all the time," Hafley said. "And just with him, it's X's and O's, and it's details, and it's knowledge. And then when I went to work for him, take it a step further, it's now you better hold your coaches accountable to the highest level on the highest details, and you got to challenge them.
"Kyle challenging a coach wasn't taking a shot personal, he wanted to see how convicted his coaches were, right? So, for example, if I had an idea in coverage, he'd come in and try to poke holes in it. And if I backed down, then he knew it wasn't good enough, which I wouldn't do."
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins’ Jeff Hafley updates Kyle Louis injury in California
