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DAVIE, Fla. -- Last October, Miami Dolphins starting defensive end Cameron Wake lay on the field at Gillette Stadium in disappointment after he tore his left Achilles. Wake knew his season was over and a lengthy rehab was ahead.
But approximately six months later, Wake was back on the field Wednesday for team drills and rushing the passer. It was a sign of remarkable progress for Wake, who appears on track for the start of the regular season.
Wake was not available for comment Wednesday, but his presence in practice certainly caught the attention of teammates.
"Cam Wake, you know, he's not really a normal human," Dolphins offensive lineman Billy Turner said. "For those who have seem Cam play football, the last couple of years playing with him and being able to practice with him, he's the same guy on and off the field." Getting Cameron Wake back should be a boon for the Dolphins' pass rush. AP Images/Lynne Sladky
Wake has tremendous work ethic and that has carried into his rehabilitation.
Dolphins coach Adam Gase said a big challenge for the medical staff is to make sure Wake isn't pushing too fast and too hard to get back on the field. The Dolphins are still more than three months away from their Sept. 11 season opener on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.
"He's been doing a good job as far as really pushing himself in individual [drills], when he gets in the training room and the weight room to see how far or where he's at at the moment," Gase said. "Today is just another good day for him, another stepping-stone for him."
The Dolphins struggled with rushing the passer last season. Despite missing nine games, Wake finished second on the team with seven sacks. Former Dolphin Olivier Vernon led Miami with 7.5 sacks and signed an $82 million contract with the New York Giants in free agency.
This year, Wake joins a deep group of veteran defensive ends that also includes additions Mario Williams, Andre Branch and Jason Jones. The team also could have former 2013 No. 3 overall pick Dion Jordan later this season to add depth if his application for NFL reinstatement is successful.
Wake also is one of Miami's biggest leaders and a strong voice in the locker room. The Dolphins, coming off a six-win season, will need all that Wake brings to the table.
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