"When everyone knows the name of someone that's joining the team, and that name is based upon a reputation of talent and skill, everyone's excited," McDaniel said. "You're always excited to see how that person's going to fit in within the overall complexion of (the team), and since he's been here, it's almost felt mutually purposeful in that Jalen saw a different level of player and leader that this team could benefit from.

"He seized that, and I think the team has definitely benefited from it."

Ramsey was named a team captain this week for the first time since joining the Dolphins, but has not practiced in several weeks with what has now been described as a hamstring injury. McDaniel said Ramsey will participate in Friday's practice in some capacity but did not confirm the three-time All-Pro would be available for Sunday's season opener against his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said the team is optimistic Ramsey will play Sunday but with a Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2, the Dolphins have to be smart with the star cornerback.

"I'm hopeful. I'm hopeful. I say prayers every night, we talk to God," Weaver said. "But the one thing I do know about Jalen, is that it's not for a lack of work ethic. He's doing everything he can in the training room to try to put himself out there. We just got to be smart and cognizant that we do have two games in whatever that is, a little over a week, so we'll see."

Information from ESPN's Adam Schefter was used in this report.