Miami Dolphins players Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson kneeled in protest during the national anthem on Sunday ahead of the game against the Tennessee Titans.
The wide receivers previously said they would protest in the 2018-2019 season unless changes in policy are made against police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.
The NFL's implementation is not yet clear of a policy requiring players and other personnel on the sidelines to stand during the national anthem, conceding that players who do not wish to stand may stay in the locker room.
GAME PREVIEW: The Miami Dolphins will start their regular season schedule with a game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Ryan Tannehill's return is easily the biggest story of Sunday's game. This will be Tannehill's first regular season game since 2016 and Miami's playoff hopes rest on his shoulders. Tannehill was decent in the preseason and he stayed healthy. The Dolphins were rather laid back with their offense during the exhibition schedule, but the playbook should now open up.
Tennessee has a good pass rush and Tannehill could need to stay mobile in this one. The Titans will be without Harold Landry, but they can still be expected to put pressure on the quarterback. Tannehill's offensive line will need to protect him early and often, as Miami cannot afford another injury to the veteran QB.
Miami's ability to get to the quarterback will be critical as well. Marcus Mariota is not an easy QB to bring down and the Dolphins need to try and stop him from getting into a rhythm. When Mariota has time, he can be one of the more dangerous passers in the NFL. Without Ndamukong Suh around anymore, Miami's defense figures to have a different look on Sunday.
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The Dolphins may end up relying on kicker Jason Sanders in Sunday's game. Miami had issues extending drives into the end zone in 2017 and during the preseason as well. The rookie kicker could be called on for some critical field goals in this contest. Sanders has a big leg and beat out Greg Joseph in the preseason for the job.
Miami is relatively healthy heading into this game, but it take a big hit earlier in the week. MarQueis Gray was placed on injured reserve and he was expected to be the primary tight end. Mike Gesicki and A.J. Derby should both see a bulk of the action.
