MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins defensive back Cam Smith missed his first full day of Dolphin’s training camp, as well as the first practice in pads, on Monday after an early exit Sunday with an undisclosed injury.
He was seen walking into the Baptist Health Training Complex with team personnel under his own power on Sunday.
Smith is entering his second year with the team after being drafted in the second round in 2023. He played sparingly as a rookie, taking just 20 defensive snaps for the team. He had showed progress in the first few days of his second year at camp. He got plenty of time on the field Sunday as projected starter Kendall Fuller took minimal reps.
It’s unclear what’s ailing Smith or how long it’ll keep him off the field.
Star receiver Tyreek Hill was back at camp after missing Sunday on what’s presumed to be a veteran’s day off. He participated in team drills Monday.
Missing from the early sessions of practice were running back Salvon Ahmed, receiver Erik Ezukanma, offensive tackle Ryan Hayes, defensive tackle Calais Campbell and defensive back Jevon Holland.
Fuller, tight end Jonnu Smith, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. and offensive tackle Terron Armstead were all present but did not participate in practice.
Defensive lineman Zach Sieler wore the orange jersey Monday as the previous practice’s player of the day.
Long ramping up
Linebacker David Long continues to ramp up at training camp after returning to on-field activities Sunday. Long was reactivated from the PUP list after what’s thought to be a leg injury. He had compression gear on his left leg after Monday’s practice. When asked if the injury was to his knee, he said it was “something like that.”
The six-year veteran played three snaps during team drills at his first practice back on Sunday. He had six snaps at Monday’s practice and was seen working through mental reps on his own.
“I’m eager to get back out there,” he said. ” I only had three plays yesterday, and really I was kind of pissed. I was trying to get any type of work.”
Long was understanding about his slow return. He knows his physical playing style is something he’ll have to ease back into.
“We’re just taking my time, listening to the trainers,” he said. “We got a long season ahead. They know how I play. I’m very aggressive up on my body. … It’s not like I gotta go out there and show something I haven’t showed.”
Bonner improving
Defensive back Ethan Bonner spent most of his 2023-24 rookie campaign as a frequent flyer on special teams. Heading into Year Two, he’s making a name for himself and looking to carve out a more consistent role on defense. He’ll have to impress a staff featuring three new defensive back coaches.
“I just wanted to prove all around and be more physical,” he said.
Bonner noted that one of his biggest goals in the offseason was improving his abilities in press coverage and his overall technical skills as a corner.
Something that jumps out right away in Bonner’s game is his speed. He ran track at The Woodlands in Texas, runs a 4.39 40-yard dash and clocked a 22 mph top speed at last year’s camp. Still, Bonner is focused on becoming an all-around corner more than being the fastest. He’ll have ample opportunity to prove himself in camp, with Fuller limited and Smith out for the time being.
“As a corner if you’re touching 22 [mph], it’s probably because you got beat,” he said.
Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle also noted Bonner’s speed, but gave him props for his development as a corner.
“[Bonner] has had the craziest jump of any player from last year,” Waddle said. “Maybe it’s just a year under his belt … he’s playing with a lot of confidence out there. I tell EB every day, ‘Man, you’re getting us better.'”
