Last week it was a surprise when Michael Thomas, a second year player from Stanford, took the field as the teams starting safety in place of Louis Delmas. Head coach Joe Philbin explained later that the addition of Thomas to the starting lineup was for game plan purposes and myriad of other reasons. Rumors however, circulated that the start was less an accomplishment for Thomas and more a disciplinary action on Delmas. This week Delmas returns as the opening game starter but Thomas is expected to see an expanded role.

Multiple news sources are reporting that Thomas may line up as the starter next to Delmas and that Jimmy Wilson will move to the nickel corner role. It would make sense. Last season Wilson did very well in that spot. The Dolphins have two more games to go before they get starting safety Reshad Jones back from his four game suspension. Jones and Dion Jordan were not given a reprieve by the new drug policy because their infractions occurred prior to the start of the leagues 2014 season.

Thomas was taken off the 49’ers practice squad last season and made a critical interception late in the season that preserved a win against the New England Patriots. If Thomas is indeed moved into the starting role this week and Wilsom takes over the nickel job Will Davis will see his playing time decreased. Davis has struggled at being consistent this year.