The Miami Dolphins open their preseason schedule Sunday afternoon against the Chicago Bears, two days after the teams shared a joint practice Friday.
While many of the starters and big names will be out of action Sunday, the game will feature plenty of rookies and several fringe players fighting to make the Dolphins’ 53-man roster.
Here are six areas to watch in the Dolphins’ preseason opener Sunday afternoon:
1. Fringe players who can stand out on special teams
For those vying for final roster spots, special teams will be a key phase in which to prove themselves.
Among those who could secure a place on the roster with their special teams value are veteran linebacker Cameron Goode and receiver/returner Dee Eskridge, both of whom need strong performances in this phase of the game. A pair of undrafted rookies, linebacker Eugene Asante and return man Monaray Baldwin, will also be worth watching in that area.
2. Who will take the lead for the fifth receiver spot?
Eskridge is a contender, along with second-year player Tahj Washington, a 2024 seventh-rounder who spent his rookie season on injured reserve and has impressed so far in camp and the Friday joint practice. Also in the mix for snaps are undrafted rookies Theo Wease Jr. and Andrew Armstrong.
3. What will the unheralded cornerback room look like?
The cornerback room is another position group to watch closely after it underwent a lot of change in the offseason. Third-year veteran Ethan Bonner is looking to finally earn regular season snaps, but has to hold off undrafted rookie B.J. Adams. Second-year corner Isaiah Johnson remains in the conversation as well.
4. Do the Dolphins have any offensive line depth?
Miami has a set group of starters on the offensive line, but what happens if there are injuries? Newly added veterans Germain Ifedi and Daniel Brunskill, as well as undrafted rookies Josh Priebe and Addison West, will be in the spotlight Sunday afternoon. Miami will also need to settle on a swing tackle, with players like Ifedi, Kion Smith, and Larry Borom in contention.
5. Can Quinn Ewers make a push for backup duties?
It will be interesting to see if Tua Tagovailoa gets play time, but 2025 seventh-round rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers is sure to get plenty of opportunity, regardless. The Texas product has impressed in camp with the reserve unit, but head coach Mike McDaniel hasn’t given much consideration to Ewers supplanting Zach Wilson for the No. 2 job.
6. Will any veterans rescue their job?
Several players may be on their last chance to make a lasting impression. That includes cornerback Cam Smith, the Dolphins’ top draft pick in 2023, as well as linebacker Channing Tindall, tight end Tanner Conner, and wide receiver Erik Ezukanma.
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