MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long was not happy with his limited work load Sunday, his first day on the field after starting camp on the active/physically unable to perform list.

"I was eager to get back out there," Long said after an increased workload Monday. "I did like three plays (Sunday), so I was pissed. I was trying to get any kind of work I could."

Long returned Sunday wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg. When asked if he was dealing with a leg issue he said, "something like that."

"A little sleeve on it," he said. "As far as the season, 18 games, just the way I play, it's not like I got to go out there and show something that I haven't shown. Just taking my time."

Long got his wish Monday, his participation in 11-on-11 drills increasing to about six snaps after just three Sunday.

Long, 27, had 113 tackles last season with a sack, forced fumble and nine tackles for loss. He played 75 percent of Miami's defensive snaps and was ranked No. 1 in run defense among linebackers by Pro Football Focus.

Long replacing departed Jerome Baker as defensive play caller

And with the departure of Jerome Baker to Seattle, Long will take on more duties at middle linebacker, a position he also played at Tennessee. He may be the Dolphins' primary defensive play caller.

"I'm the mike," Long said. "Having the play calls … different assignments than last year but it's something I've been doing since I've been in the league. It feels good to be back doing that same thing."

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Long, who joined the Dolphins last year after four seasons with the Titans, said he misses Baker.

"I miss Jerome a lot," he said. "Especially off the field. And on the field we jelled together."

Baker praised new linebacker coach Joe Barry, who joined the Dolphins after three seasons as the Packers defensive coordinator.

"I can't say enough good things about Joe," Long said. "He makes the environment fun, also we learn. We learn so much. It's great to have a coach like that."

Long said he has had "five or six" linebacker coaches in his six years in the NFL.

Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and golf reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long ready for more duties at middle linebacker