Per the Palm Beach Post, the ‘Fins released their first depth chart of the season on Monday night.
Although most of it was filled out as one would expect, there is one notable difference: Reggie Bush, acquired on July 28, is listed as the starting running back, with rookie Daniel Thomas as his primary backup.
It’s a decent surprise considering there was a recent report that stated Thomas was ready to become a “workhorse” for Miami. That meant giving Thomas nearly 300 carries this season, while doling out a modest amount to Bush.
Another omission is coach Tony Sparano not having Bush as their primary punt returner, a specialty of his since entering the league. Receiver Davone Bess is scheduled to field punts for the team’s first preseason game against the Falcons.
Even though that’s a bit of a headscratcher, the decision made in the backfield appears to have a simpler explanation. The organization might defer seniority to Bush, who’s entering his sixth season, compared to the first-year man. The Dolphins may be unwilling to hand the reigns over to an unproven player — at least up to this point.
However, seeing as how these charts are tentative — especially this early in August — the decisions are far from set in stone. Things change on a weekly basis in the NFL, so it would be no surprise to see Thomas trot out as the starter on opening day, as once envisioned.
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