The Miami Dolphins wrapped up their second day of joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers yesterday, gaining plenty of advance scouting for Friday’s preseason contest against the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium. The Dolphins were ravaged with injuries for the practice, putting a number of players in a position to rise to the occasion with increased reps. Some did, some did not.
Here are three winners from Miami’s second day of practice with Tampa Bay.
OT Jaryd Jones-Smith
Wednesday was by all accounts a much better day for the Dolphins’ offensive line all around. But with Laremy Tunsil being protected by the Dolphins this preseason, the group has floundered looking for an option to play left tackle in his absence. It was initially Jordan Mills, but that experiment hasn’t gone well — as the world saw last Thursday night.
Enter Jaryd Jones-Smith, who reportedly had a very good day of practice against the Buccaneers. The next step? Showing out versus a team with a little bit more juice off the edge. But getting a candidate to play left tackle as the back-up is a win for Miami.
RB Kalen Ballage
RB Kenyan Drake was injured on Tuesday and the team hoped he’d be back on the practice field yesterday. Drake instead spent the day in a walking boot. That leaves Ballage unimpeded to take first-string reps at running back — and he’s taking full advantage.
For the second straight day, Ballage ripped off a long touchdown run. Tuesday’s run was 70 yards, while yesterday’s was closer to 35 or 40. But they both ended in the same spot: the end zone.
LB Nick DeLuca
The linebacker room for Miami has experienced a lot of bumps and bruises. Kiko Alonso, Raekwon McMillan, Chase Allen have all battled injuries — and to boot, rookie UDFA Terrill Hanks limped off yesterday early in practice.
Enter DeLuca, who the Dolphins only added to the roster recently. He’s making himself hard to miss, logging pressures in team drills in both practices against Tampa. Additionally, he nabbed an interception in yesterday’s practice.
Keep an eye for DeLuca in Friday’s game. If he makes plays there, it might be time to elevate him on Miami’s depth chart.
