The headline from Wednesday’s practice was obvious.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill missed practice with an undisclosed injury.
Of course that’s important. Hill is still the team’s most dynamic player and big cog in the Dolphins offense.
The bigger issue, however, is that with Hill out, nobody — outisde of Jaylen Waddle — truly shined in the receiving core. Sure, Malik Washington was the orange jersey player after a phenomenal 52-yard touchdown catch on Wednesday. Sure, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine bounced back with a touchdown grab in the red zone on Wednesday. And Tahj Washington had a nice grab over Storm Duck during one-on-ones on Thursday.
But ultimately nobody truly established themselves as a viable option when Hill’s out the lineup. That is a bit concerning.
Here’s what else happened on the 12th day of Dolphins training camp.
TOP PERFORMERS
▪ As has been the case the entire summer, Waddle and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s chemistry has been on point. The two first connected on a on slant that the fifth-year receiver took 30 yards. When it came time for the situational period, Tagovailoa found Waddle early and often. First came a simple five-yard hookup to move the sticks. The very next play showcased Waddle’s athleticism as he reached behind him to grab a ball for a 17-yard completion.
▪ Linebacker Jordyn Brooks had one of the hardest hits of the preseasons when he popped Julian Hill to stop the tight end for just a two yard gain. It seemed like the entire defense let out a shriek of joy after it happened. Brooks later helped stopped tailback Alexander Mattison at the line of scrimmage as well as recorded at least one quarterback pressure.
▪ After not making a play during Tuesday’s practice, Willie Gay Jr. responded with an amazing showing on Wednesday .The inside linebacker recorded two sacks as well as a pass breakup after he batted down pass at the line of scrimmage. He also had a nice run fill that stopped Alexander Mattison right at the line of scrimmage. It was another stellar performance for the sixth-year veteran. The almost begs the question why hasn’t he received to an orange jersey yet?
STOCK UP
Kendall Sheffield and Ethan Bonner
▪ Both corners get a stock up as they made at least one good play during practice. Bonner broke up a pass intended for Achane in the most spectacular fashion. Just as the third-year tailback thought he had secured the catch, Bonner ripped it out to force the incompletion. Way to play through the whistle, Mr. Bonner. Sheffield, on the other hand, responded nicely after a subpar outing Tuesday. Although Waddle got the better of him on a route that Tagovailoa over threw, the five-year veteran pulled down an incredibly athletic interception on Zach Wilson during team period. Although the play likely would’ve called back for a false start, Sheffield ran side-by-side the receiver, jumping and turning with outstretched arms at the perfect time to pull down the pick. With both corners battling for starting spots, it will be worth monitoring the reps that each receive going into joint practices.
STOCK DOWN
Daniel Brunskill
▪ The loss of Andrew Meyer “for weeks,” as coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday, was a huge blow. With Meyer down and the ever so versatile Liam Eichenberg already on the player unable to perform list, the Dolphins looked mighty thin at center. Enter Brunskill. With 16 of his 66 starts at center, there was hope that the sixth-year veteran could provide a viable option. Guess again. The 31-year-old resembled a turnstile during one-on-ones, letting Matt Dickerson beat him several times. During the team portion, Brunskill fired a snap so far above Zach Wilson’s head that the quarterback had to run turn his back to the line of scrimmage just to corral the ball. Not the best performance considering he’ll be the backup center until either Eichenberg or Meyer return.
Injury updates
▪ Safety Elijah Campbell was in a red jersey, which indicates no-contact with any players during practice, for the second consecutive day.
▪ Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu participated in his third practice of training camp after being removed from the active/non-football injury list. Melifonwu, who is expected to compete for the safety spot opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick, had his participation limited for the third consecutive day.
▪ Center Andrew Meyer, who looked exception as the starter when Aaron Brewer was held out of the first nine practice sessions of training camp, will be out “weeks,” per McDaniel.
▪ Fullback Alec Ingold, who sustained a concussion during an 11-on-11 period late on Sunday, is still “in the protocol,” according to McDaniel.
▪ Right tackle Austin Jackson (lower extremity) won’t suit up until around the time of the Sept. 7 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
▪ Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. only slightly ramped up his workload as McDaniel said he’d be “practicing today a little bit.”
▪ Cornerback Cam Smith, who has a soft tissue leg injury, missed his fourth practice.
▪ No red jersey for cornerback BJ Adams, who sustained a concussion on Saturday, who was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.
▪ Safety Dante Trader Jr. continues to deal with a soft tissue issue. The goal is to have him back for the joint practices against the Chicago Bears.
▪ Offensive tackle Byron Matos, who sustained a neck/shoulder injury on training camp’s first day, has missed 10 practices since he sustained the injury that sent him to the hospital.
What they said
▪ “I think it makes it fun,” tackle Patrick Paul responded when asked about his prowess for trash talking. “One of my favorite athletes growing up was Conor McGregor and I liked his approach to it. He’d beat the people before he even went against them just purely off of getting in their head. It just depends on the person, depends on the day they’re having also, their approach, but it’s easy to get under someone’s skin. It doesn’t even have to be something crazy, just something minute. Like a laughter when you’re locking someone up – that’ll get them, I’m not going to lie. So it really depends on the person, and you just have to have fun with it.”