The Sports Xchange

DAVIE, Fla. — Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh bristled at a report he wore gym shoes to practice the Thursday before the Miami Dolphins game against the New York Jets in London.

Ostensibly, Suh did so as a protest toward coaches, a story that gained more life when head coach Joe Philbin was indeed fired upon the team’s return to the states.

“People have their own opinion and at the end of the day that’s going to be their opinion,” Suh said. “For them to know the truth, a lot of people can’t handle the truth. I’ll leave it at that.”

Suh was then asked specifically whether the gym shoes were a protest.

“Like I said, a lot of people can’t handle the truth,” he said.

–Left tackle Branden Albert was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but took snaps with the first team because of a lingering hamstring problem.

But he says he will be ready to play Sunday at Tennessee.

“We brought him here for a reason last year, and he’s a great player for us,” quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. “He really seals up that left side for me and having him back will be a luxury both in the pass and run game.”

Tannehill also said Wednesday he has “done some good things” this season. But he avoided naming a single thing he did well. Statistically, Tannehill is the inferior quarterback this week against Tennessee rookie Marcus Mariota.

Tannehill has seven touchdowns, five interceptions and a 77.1 passer rating while Mariota has eight touchdowns, three interceptions and a 99.1 passer rating.

–Free safety Michael Thomas is expected to start this week at Tennessee. Thomas took over the starting job from Walt Aikens, who took over when Louis Delmas sustained a season-ending knee injury. Thomas had three tackles against the New York Jets.

–Beginning Sunday in Nashville, the Dolphins play four of their next five games on the road, a daunting task for interim head coach Dan Campbell considering that stretch includes back-to-back games at New England and Buffalo.

This Sunday something must give when the Dolphins (1-3) and Titans (1-3) each try to break a three-game losing streak.

Miami already lost a road game to a supposedly inferior opponent by dropping a 23-20 decision at Jacksonville.

Notes: Among those limited in Wednesday’s practice were cornerback Brent Grimes (right knee) and defensive end Cam Wake (hamstring). … Defensive tackle A.J. Francis (back) missed Wednesday’s practice. … Guard Billy Turner, last year’s fourth-round pick, could be a player who benefits from the coaching change. Turner, a starter through training camp and most of preseason, has been inactive the last three games.