Willie Gay Jr. stood out in training camp and preseason, but after six games with the Miami Dolphins, the veteran linebacker has seen the field for a grand total of 17 defensive snaps.
Even with Tyrel Dodson sidelined last week with a concussion, the Dolphins turned to K.J. Britt to step into the starting lineup. Gay only saw the field on special teams.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver hasn’t offered much explanation for Gay’s weekly absence from lineup. He told reporters he has to find a way to get the linebacker, who has “earned the right” to play, on the field.
On Thursday, Dolphins linebackers coach Joe Barry had a simple answer.
“K.J. [Britt] plays MIKE linebacker, as does Tyrel,” Barry said. “Tyrel was out with the concussion. Willie doesn’t play MIKE linebacker.”
After he was pressed by reporters to elaborate on that rigid decision, Barry offered a little more of his logic.
“I’m a routine, rhythm, preparation guy,” Barry said. “I’ve never been a big fan of — most inside linebackers don’t rotate like pass rushers rotate, right? Receivers on offense, they rotate. Inside linebackers usually don’t rotate. I’ve never done that.
“So, from a preparation standpoint, from day one, Tyrel Dodson and K.J. Britt have gotten every rep of MIKE linebacker on that practice field for the last six months. As Jordyn Brooks and Willie Gay, whether we’re in base playing with a WILL linebacker or we’re in nickel playing with a dime linebacker, those guys have been trained that way.”
Gay has made the most of his extremely limited time on the field. The former Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints linebacker recorded two tackles, including a 5-yard loss, in only three snaps against the New England Patriots.
While the Dolphins defense has been one of the league’s worst in 2025, the team’s inside linebackers haven’t been much of an issue. The defensive line has struggled to stop the run, forcing the duo of Brooks and Dodson to rack up tackles at an NFL-leading rate. They’re two of PFF’s top five highest graded defensive starters for the Dolphins.
It seems unlikely that Gay will see the field more as long as Brooks is healthy and the lineup.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins LB coach explains why Willie Gay Jr. can’t get on the field
