Tyreek Hill injury update from Mike McDaniel
Mike McDaniel updates Tyreek Hill injury
TAMPA – The Miami Dolphins are not expected to use many of their regular players in their third and final preseason game on Friday night.
But the third preseason game was never really about players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Terron Armstead and Jalen Ramsey.
We don’t know how long the NFL will even continue with three preseason games. But Dolphins vs. Buccaneers at 7:30 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium means something very important to a handful of players.
“You have to create some competitive environment to really judge who No. 53 and No. 69 are,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said of the roster. “There are several years where the third and fourth preseason games are the reason long-time players have stayed in our organization.”
It’s not entirely unfair to assume that Skylar Thompson’s future, for example, could depend entirely on his performance in this game. Thompson had plenty of opportunity to work in front of the experienced Mike White throughout training camp.
Will he get the job as Tua’s replacement? Will he end up back on Miami’s practice squad?
What if he gives up another NFL contract and is claimed by another team?
“Whatever is at stake today, I’m going to attack and win, whatever that means,” Thompson said Wednesday in Tampa. “I know it’s a great opportunity for me and a lot of others.”
Dolphins vs. Buccaneers: Skylar Thompson or Mike White?
A backup quarterback has to earn the trust of his teammates because, let’s face it, when he’s in the game, the situation is usually adverse.
“I get to see how they handle things and earn the respect and appreciation of their teammates by how they handle things, how they find ways to do something positive for their job in the midst of chaos,” McDaniel said.
Five difficult decisions regarding the Miami Dolphins’ 53-man roster
QB: Mike White or Skylar Thompson: That could really be decided Friday night. White, 29, has played in 14 games, including seven starts. Thompson, 27, has played in seven games, including two starts. Thompson is more mobile and has a stronger arm. In the preseason, they were about even, if not great. If it’s equal, Miami may go with White and hope to keep Thompson on the practice squad.
WR: Eriz Ezukanma or Malik Washington: An injury to River Cracraft could clear the way for both. And if Odell Beckham Jr. starts the season on the physically unable to perform list, that could clear the way for both as well. They are completely different players. Ezukanma has emerged recently and he is bigger and stronger. Washington, the rookie, is slick but inconsistent.
RB: Jeff Wilson or Chris Brooks: Another spot where Miami would ideally keep both players. But that may not be possible. Brooks has tantalizing potential and is younger. Wilson is tenacious and has a long history with McDaniel. But both backs are clearly behind Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright. Can Miami really afford to keep five running backs?
Interior OL: If and when Aaron Brewer returns at center, Liam Eichenberg could find himself in a battle with Jack Driscoll at right guard. We can’t imagine Isaiah Wynn is on the radar, as he’s been completely absent so far. Is Robert Jones firmly established at left guard? This is a position Miami could and probably should sign a veteran to. But if not, will they find a place for Lester Cotton, Andrew Meyer, Chasen Hines and Matthew Jones? Again, we see a veteran in the future.
Final squad positions in D/Special Teams: Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman will have a few words to say about spots 51-53 on Miami’s roster. Will he bang the table for two or three of these players: LB Duke Riley, LB Quinton Bell, LB Channing Tindall, LB Anthony Walker, LB Curtis Bolton, S Elijah Campbell, S Patrick McMorris, CB Ethan Bonner, CB Jason Maitre, CB Storm Duck, S Jordan Colbert or CB Isaiah Johnson? Expect to see all or most of these players on Friday night.
Joe Schad is a journalist who covers the Miami Dolphins and the NFL for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X. @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse newsletter. Support our work by signing up today.
