MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Good luck to anyone who tried to glean anything too meaningful from the first Miami Dolphins OTA practice of 2024 open to reporters.
Roughly half of the expected starting lineup was absent from Tuesday’s voluntary session, including quarterback Tua Tagovaioa.
Miami Dolphins Practice Report: May 21
Tagovailoa did attend Day 1 of OTAs after sitting out much of the team’s offseason program this spring in protest of stalled contract extension talks.
He missed Day 2 to participate in Nick Saban’s charity golf tournament.
But that didn’t explain the rest of Tuesday’s paltry attendance.
If you are a Dolphins veteran expected to start in 2024, odds are good you were elsewhere Tuesday.
Among those not spotted by reporters: Running back Raheem Mostert; wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Odell Beckham Jr.; offensive tackle Terron Armstead; defensive tackle Zach Sieler; outside linebacker Shaq Barrett; and cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller.
What’s more, a ton of key players who were present did little, if anything.
Among those working to the side with the team’s medical staff Tuesday or not spotted during team drills: Edge defenders Bradley Chubb (ACL), Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), Chop Robinson (sleeve on left leg), and Cameron Goode (knee); guards Isaiah Wynn (quad); Aaron Brewer (unclear); tight end Jonnu Smith (unclear); and cornerback Cam Smith (unclear).
As for the surefire starters who did practice Tuesday? The list is short.
Linebackers Jordyn Brooks and David Long Jr., and safeties Jordan Poyer and Jevon Holland.
Chubb and Phillips don’t seem to be close to practicing less than six months removed from significant lower-body surgeries. The Dolphins have repeatedly declined to put a timeframe on either’s return, but head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters prior to practice that both are making good progress.
Neither wore a protective sleeve or brace Tuesday. Phillips’ gait had a bit of a hitch while he was walking the sidelines.
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As for those who were on the field? A couple of highlights:
Off-ball linebacker Anthony Walker had a nice play on one of his first practice snaps as a Dolphin. He deflected a Mike White pass to himself for an interception
Another new name with a notable play? Jack Driscoll, who had a botched center-quarterback exchange with White.
Holland, who, like Tagovailoa, is in a contract year, had a near-interception of Skylar Thompson early in the session.
Jaylen Wright’s Welcome-To-Miami moment? After running a deep route, he lost his lunch (or breakfast, to be more accurate).
