But McDaniel, who spoke Thursday morning before the joint practice against Washington, said the team will decide Thursday afternoon which starters will play and how much they’ll play.

McDaniel said “guys who are starters,” without naming names, “will get some action” in the game and “we’ll take it from there.”

In other words, the Dolphins don’t have an established plan for playing time for anybody, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Among the top starters whose playing time will be watched, aside from Tagovailoa, are left tackle Terron Armstead, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, defensive lineman Calais Campbell, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, running back Raheem Mostert and rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson.

Phillips was recently activated from the physically unable to perform list due to an Achilles injury and Armstead, Campbell, Hill and Phillips have had their practice participation measured, and Robinson, the first-round pick, was held out of last week’s game while battling a minor injury.

Robinson, one of the stars of training camp, participated in Wednesday’s practice and performed well.

No setback for Chubb

McDaniel said there’s been no setback for edge rusher Bradley Chubb, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury sustained in December.

Chubb, who had a team-best 11.0 sacks last season, hasn’t yet participated in training camp practices.

However, McDaniel said Chubb has been progressing well.

There’s no timetable for Chubb’s return. Chubb was seen doing rehabilitation work before practice Thursday.

Thursday’s practice plan

 McDaniel said the practice plan for Thursday’s joint practice against Washington, for the most part, calls for matching starters vs. starters and primary backups vs. primary backups.

That means Robinson might go against starters for an extended period for the first time.

The backup QB battle

McDaniel said he splits playing time between backup quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson based on a few factors instead of simply alternating days that each works with the second team.

The backup quarterback race between White, last year’s backup, and Thompson, last year’s No. 3, has been watched closely during training camp. McDaniel said the battle is “neck and neck.”

Anecdotally, Thompson has probably had more snaps with the second team during recent practices. Thompson also started last week’s preseason opener against Atlanta.

McDaniel said the process of sorting out who wins the No. 2 job remains the same.

“We allow the players to tell us who two and three are, just like the rest of our players,” he said.

McDaniel said it’ll become apparent who deserves the No. 2 job by their performance.

McDaniel said there are a lot of complicating variables to deciding who gets the No. 2 job, such as whether each quarterback gets to play with top personnel and how players respond to each quarterback. 

White mentioned that after the Atlanta game, saying his goal was keeping everybody calm in the huddle because some guys were rookies who were playing for the first time, and others might be veterans who were stressing whether they’ll make the 53-man roster.

So although the starters are scheduled to play Saturday against Washington, one thing to look for when White and Thompson are on the field is who they’re surrounded by, and how those guys respond to that quarterback.

Smith, a second-round pick and the Dolphins’ top draft choice in 2023, barely played as a rookie, seeing just 20 snaps from srimmage.

Then, to compound that, he suffered an undisclosed injury early in training camp this year, which naturally sets him back on progress toward contributing heading into Year 2.

But the skilled cornerback has returned to practice and seen increases in participation in team drills again as the Dolphins get set for a joint practice with the Washington Commanders on Thursday, Saturday night’s preseason game against them at home and then next week that involves another joint session and preseason exhibition against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This is where Smith can set himself up for a successful second NFL season.

“Right now, they’re very vital,” Smith said after Wednesday’s intrasquad training camp practice of the coming preseason games. “Just making sure that all of the nooks and crannies work themselves out. This is where you work out everything, see where your mistakes (are), see what you lack and all of that stuff.”

Smith was in former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s doghouse last regular season. He appeared to be standing out early in camp with impressive coverage and pass breakups that highlighted his physical tools, closing speed and ball skills, but Fangio didn’t seem to like where Smith stood mentally as a rookie. Then came a long touchdown he allowed in the preseason finale in Jacksonville, leading to his lack of playing time all regular season.

Part of the issue for Smith was that the Dolphins essentially had a set top three cornerbacks of Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou, which this year would be Kendall Fuller instead of Howard. But even when Ramsey or Howard missed time, it was Eli Apple ahead of Smith; or Nik Needham coming off his Achilles recovery or Justin Bethel or even the likes of Parry Nickerson, Kelvin Joseph or undrafted rookie Ethan Bonner, like in the playoff loss to Kansas City.

Ramsey, Fuller, Kohou, Needham, Bonner and free agent special teams ace Siran Neal all factor in at cornerback. Smith will also look to hold off undrafted rookies in Storm Duck, Jason Maitre and Isaiah Johnson.

There’s a belief that the defense of new coordinator Anthony Weaver could bode well for Smith.

“Really kind of just instilled confidence that he knows I’m a baller,” Smith said, portraying a coaching style that differs from the old-school ways of Fangio. “(I’m) just making sure that every day he knows that I’m going to do what I’m supposed to do, bring the energy.”

But there are still valuable things he can take from the year under Fangio, which saw a lot more zone coverages and off-man techniques.

“From last year to this year, I feel like my off technique (has improved),” Smith said. “Just kind of playing Fangio’s defense last year had a lot more off. So I kind of got to read progressions, learning to change my eyes, stuff like that.”

That said, he likes how Weaver will likely have him play more press coverage.

As Smith is back at practice from missing time, Bonner has now been out since last Friday’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.

“I feel good,” Smith said. “I feel like the preparation of the weight room staff and the training staff got me right. I came out there. I really didn’t lose a step, wasn’t really tired or anything like that.”

That said, Smith added it’s “definitely” valuable time lost that he spent away since early in camp.

“You miss one day, you’re going to miss something,” he said.

Between the joint practice and preseason game against Washington, Smith could end up on wide receivers like Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson or Dyami Brown, a North Carolina alum whom Smith, a South Carolina product, is familiar with.

Smith, who said he’s not putting any pressure on himself, is approaching it and preparing for the opportunity by giving it the utmost importance.

“Make sure that you know what you’re coming into,” he said. “You’re not going to go in there blind. There’s no point to doing that when you have the film.”

Coach Mike McDaniel will almost certainly play some of the Dolphins starters, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, he’ll almost certainly limit some other starters, such as perhaps running back Raheem Mostert, and one or two other starters might not play at all, led by left tackle Terron Armstead.

For these purposes, I’m not concerned about those guys.

Plus, we’ll get to see the vast majority of the Dolphins’ starters in extended action in Thursday’s joint practice vs. the Commanders.

Moving past the cemented starters, there are questions I’d like to see answered, or questions that I’d like to see move closer to an answer among those vying for a starting job or those that are top reserves.

The biggest question might be at edge rusher, where there are still questions about whether Miami will be able to generate a strong pass rush while starters Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) race to get back to 100% healthy, something that might not happen at all this season.

But there are things I’d like to see at tight end, interior defensive line and backup cornerback, here are five things to watch: 

Smith as a top receiving TE target

Miami’s passing offense is led by, and almost completely consumed by, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. I’d like to see tight ends involved on seam routes, short-yardage situations, third downs, red-zone and goal-line offense. 

Jonnu Smith is uniquely equipped for that job because he’s athletic, has good hands, good size and excels at getting yards after catch.

I’d like to see Smith evolve as the No. 1 receiving tight end with Durham Smythe, who established career bests in receptions (35) and yards (366) last season, still remaining the full-time starter.

Tagovailoa should be able to work seamlessly with Smith, who has been the No. 2 tight end target behind Smythe during training camp.

Robinson vs. starters

Edge rusher Chop Robinson, the rookie first-round pick, has been really good in training camp. But he’s mostly been facing second-team players. There’s a good chance Robinson starts against Washington, or at least faces starters such as Commanders right tackle Andrew Wylie.

Robinson, who could be a starter for the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against Jacksonville or a top reserve, has been good against the run and pass. But it’s been mostly against reserves.

Robinson said his work against the run has drawn the most praise from coaches.

“Really just my hands and setting the edge,” he said.

Robinson said in college he used to be able to use his shoulder to set the edge. He said now he’s learning to use his speed to get off the ball quickly, and combine that with getting his hands inside the tight ends and offensive tackles to employ better technique.

Robinson, who said he’ll have lots of family members at the Washington game, said he’ll have a measured approach to his first NFL game.

“I’ll just try not to overthink it, play football and have fun,” he said

Chris Perkins: I suspect (and hope) the Dolphins are evolving in their red-zone offense play calls

Bell vs. starters

Edge rusher Quinton Bell, the third-year player who has spent time with Oakland, Tampa Bay, Atlanta and Philadelphia, got off to a great start in training camp. He was living in the backfield and setting the edge on runs. He was hot.

But he was cooled down by Atlanta last week in two joint practices and the preseason opener (Bell only played 15 snaps from scrimmage vs. Atlanta while playing 25 snaps on special teams).

The Dolphins’ pass rush has been really good in training camp. But it’s mostly been facing second-team players from the Dolphins and Falcons.

The real test for Bell, and the pass rush, is whether the success continues against starters.

Interior defensive line (aside from Sieler and Campbell)

The Dolphins know interior defensive linemen Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell are good. 

Interior defensive linemen such as Brandon Pili, Isaiah Mack, Jonathan Harris, Neville Gallimore, Leonard Payne and Da’Shawn Hand all have a better chance of making the 53-man regular-season roster since the Dolphins released veteran Teair Tart.

All seemed to have a fairly good showing in the exhibition game against Atlanta. Mack, Gallimore and Harris also stood out during joint practices against the Falcons.

The Dolphins were seventh in run defense last season (97.1 yards allowed per game). The interior defensive linemen were at the head of the line for that statistic.

Washington will feature center Tyler Biadasz, left guard Nick Allegretti, and right guard Sam Cosmi. The Commanders’ pass protection unit, by the way, gave up 65 sacks last season, tied for second most, so the Dolphins should have a good day in that respect.

Backup CBs (Bonner, Smith, Duck, Neal, Maitre, Johnson and Needham)

The Dolphins are OK at starting cornerbacks among Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller on the boundary and Kader Kohou in the slot/nickel. 

The problem comes with backups at all three positions. 

Among backup cornerbacks Ethan Bonner, Cam Smith, Storm Duck, Siran Neal, Jason Maitre and Isaiah Johnson, who have all performed about the same, no one has emerged to take command of a primary backup job.

Needham, who also plays safety, has been the primary backup at the slot.

As long as the starting cornerback trio of Ramsey, Fuller and Kohou stay healthy, the Dolphins are golden. If one gets injured, however, there could be problems.

Washington has Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin, wide receiver Jahan Dotson as well as rookie slot receiver Luke McCaffrey to test the Dolphins’ cornerbacks.

As a reminder, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has been adept at finding quality cornerbacks as starters and reserves in recent years. So the chances of one of those backups blossoming into something good is above average.

Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who was activated Wednesday from the physically-unable-to-perform list due to an Achilles injury sustained late last season, lined up with the starters during an 11-on-11 drill at walkthrough pace.

Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson was disruptive once again, continuing a trend that’s been going throughout training camp. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had an understated day. He didn’t have a lot of big throws, or opportunities for big throws. There were lots of running plays Thursday.

Numerous key players didn’t participate in Wednesday’s practice, possibly in anticipation of practicing against the Commanders and playing in the exhibition game.

Wednesday’s observations

— Among players not seen participating: WRs Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill and Anthony Schwartz, CBs Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller and Ethan Bonner, RBs Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert, TEs Jody Fortson Jr., Tanner Conner and Jonnu Smith, C Aaron Brewer, LT Terron Armstead, DL Calais Campbell and Benito Jones, LBs Anthony Walker and David Long Jr., S Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer. …

— TE Julian Hill wore the orange jersey as the player of the day Monday. Hill has had a good camp overall. The player in the orange jersey gets to select the music for the next practice. Hill’s playlist was absolute fire. But G Robert Jones still has had the best playlist training camp. …

— McDaniel said Holland is working through something minor and is day-to-day. Holland hasn’t done much since getting tripped up last week during the Atlanta joint practice. …

— McDaniel said a big factor in rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson’s success is how he’s handled coaching. You see evidence of that in how Robinson’s game has evolved already. He seems better defending the run, and if it makes sense, more enthusiastic about defending the run. Robinson was active Wednesday and Tuesday in practice. …

— Phillips appeared to go full speed in individual pass rush drills. Phillips also participated in walkthrough speed 11-on-11 drills. It’s unclear whether Phillips will start the Sept. 8 opener regular-season against Jacksonville. But you’d think he’ll be on a snap count. Normally, a defense plays about 60-65 snaps per game. Phillips could be limited to, say, 35-40 snaps. We’ll see. …

— Fortson was seen doing rehabilitation drills on the side during practice. Fortson seems to be falling behind in the tight end battle by missing practices. It appears TEs Durham Smythe, Smith and Hill will all make the 53-man regular-season roster. It seems unlikely the Dolphins would keep four tight ends. …

— Poyer, who is nursing a thumb injury according to his wife’s social media post, was seen running hard in the end zone once again. Poyer’s return seems imminent. …

— Referees were on the field Wednesday. Referees weren’t at practice Monday or Tuesday after being present all week the previous week, including joint practices against Atlanta. …

— CB Cam Smith was doing rehabilitation work on the side after going through stretching and some individual drills. But he was with the first-team defense in 11-on-11 drills. Smith had a tackle for a loss on a swing pass to RB De’Von Achane. …

— LB Ezekiel Vandenburgh was seen working with a trainer on the side during practice. …

— Edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah had a tackle for loss on an Achane run. Ogbah continues to perform as though he’ll be an opening-day starter. Most likely, he’ll start opposite Robinson. …

— DL Brandon Pili stopped a run up the middle for no gain against Achane. Pili has a chance to make the rotation now that the Dolphins have released DL Teair Tart. But Pili’s strength is physical play, which can’t necessarily be judged when players aren’t in full pads and hitting, so the joint practice and game are very important for Pili. …

— CB Siran Neal was called for pass interference against WR Braylon Sanders. Neal has been up and down in camp as a CB. He’s a special teams ace who sometimes makes plays from scrimmage and sometimes gives up plays. …

— Rookie RB Jaylen Wright had a nice cutback on about an 8- or 10-yard gain up the middle. Wright has good feet to accompany his speed. …

— Tagovailoa missed an open Achane on a defensive bust. LB Duke Riley ran away from Achane, who was split wide left, right before the snap and a defender was late covering Achane. Tagovailoa instead completed a short pass to Hill. Missed opportunity. …

— LB David Anenih, the new signee, batted down a Tagovailoa pass. Anenih has flashed the past two days. …

— DL Zach Sieler broke through the middle for a sack on Tagovailoa. Sieler is having an outstanding camp. …

— CB Isaiah Johnson broke up back-to-back passes by QB Mike White. He deflected a pass in the end zone intended for WR Kyric McGowan and Johnson broke up a pass intended for Sanders. There was contact, but no call. …

—  Riley had a tackle for a loss vs. Achane in an inside run. …

— Wright had good gain in the red zone, from the 9-yard line to the 3-yard line. …

— Rookie WR Malik Washington dropped a pass from Tagovailoa. That’s rare. Washington, who couldn’t come up with a throw that was behind him, has been solid. …

— WR Mike Harley had a drop in the middle from White, and it went through his hands. Not good. …

— The Dolphins have a joint practice with Washington on Thursday. No more practices are open to the public. The Dolphins and Commanders play in a preseason game at 7 p.m. Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Stock up

DL Brandon Pili, the 2023 undrafted rookie from USC, had a sack and tackle for loss as he tries to make the 53-man roster. Pili has come on recently.

Stock down

CB Siran Neal (not special teams ace Siran Neal, CB Siran Neal), Neal was flagged for pass interference Wednesday and continues to be hot and cold from scrimmage. He’s a sure thing for the 53-man roster. He’s excellent on special teams. But it might get interesting if he has to play from scrimmage.

Ramsey’s undisclosed injury doesn’t appear to be serious.

McDaniel said the Dolphins are “being proactive” in not pushing Ramsey out there for “something he’s dealing with.” It’s against Ramsey’s will, as the coach said his star cornerback is eager to return to drills in camp.

Ramsey, of course, suffered a knee injury in last year’s camp, which sidelined him until late October, so it’s fitting the team takes a cautious approach, especially since Ramsey has seen significant training camp practice reps for a player of his caliber.

Holland is day-to-day as he’s “working through something minor,” according to McDaniel.

“He’s been involved each and every day,” he added.

Jones is day-to-day after more than a week of missed practice sessions.

On the positive side of injury updates, veteran left tackle Terron Armstead has seen an uptick in practice participation at this point in camp. On Tuesday, he elevated to live 11-on-11 work after doing so in a walkthrough setting Monday.

“It’s been going outstanding,” McDaniel said of Armstead’s maintenance program in camp. “He is in a great spot from a health perspective. We plan on doing everything we can to make sure that stays the course.

“Good, going along the process we’ve had. Good work, really, across the board.”

McDaniel also said Armstead has taken his leadership to the next level.

On Odell Beckham Jr., who remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list deep into training camp, McDaniel said he’s not necessarily concerned that he isn’t running routes yet, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa noted Tuesday. The Dolphins coach wants Beckham to be fully prepared before activation off PUP to join the team in practice.

“He’s working his way back to being on the field,” McDaniel said.

Meanwhile, offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn hasn’t returned from the PUP list, either. It’s unclear if it’s strictly the same quadriceps that cut short Wynn’s 2023 season last October.

“There’s just compounding stuff once in a while that you just want to make sure is fully healthy,” McDaniel said, “but it’s lower extremity related, and I’ll really leave it at that.”

Hill impressing

Not star wide receiver Tyreek Hill — although he always impresses. But second-year tight end Julian Hill.

That Hill, who made the active roster as an undrafted rookie in 2023, wore the orange jersey at Miami’s Wednesday practice as the team’s Tuesday practice player of the day.

A physical blocker who can also elevate and catch a pass at 6 foot 4, 251 pounds, Hill also impressed at last year’s camp to make the team. But it didn’t translate into much production: Six receptions for 48 yards.

“I’m just going to make sure that I trust myself,” Hill said. “I’m making sure I put that work in, and when it’s time for the game, I get to hit another opponent, I’m going to be ready to go.”

Hill said Miami tight ends coach Jon Embree is having him watch tape of 49ers tight end George Kittle, whom Embree coached in San Francisco.

The Dolphins infamously were the only NFL team in 2023 to go without a touchdown from the tight end position. Between Durham Smith, newcomer Jonnu Smith, Hill and others, the unit would like to change that in 2024, but they all have to play within the scheme, which emphasizes more of their blocking skills.

“We always want to make plays on the field,” Hill said, “but sometimes you just got to do what your job is requiring of you in that moment, and sometimes that’s all you need in a team sport.”

No motion rule change

NFL officials made an annual training camp stop with Dolphins reporters on Wednesday to discuss rule changes heading into the 2024 season.

They clarified, despite media reports highlighting an emphasis on the Dolphins’ pre-snap jet motion, that there in fact is no rule change when it comes to it, nor has there even been an emphasis made for officials.

Much of the discussion dealt with the league’s new kickoff rules, the penalties for hip-drop tackles and new ways officials can get an assist from replays.

The Dolphins and 49ers, McDaniel’s previous team before claiming the head role in Miami, are the teams that use pre-snap motion more than the rest of the league.

DT signed

The Dolphins signed former Florida State defensive tackle Robert Cooper on Wednesday.

The move comes a day after fellow defensive tackle Teair Tart was released. McDaniel noted Wednesday Tart wasn’t a particularly good scheme fit for Miami’s defense.

At 335 pounds, Cooper can compete for playing time at nose tackle, lining up across from either shoulder of the center.

Cooper entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, spending part of the offseason program with them. He participated in training camp with Seattle and Philadelphia in 2023.

I asked Tagovailoa after Tuesday’s practice whether the Dolphins had been calling more “big-boy” plays in the red zone. Anecdotally, I think I’ve observed more physical, aggressive calls when the Dolphins are at their opponents’ 20-yard line or closer.

During Monday’s practice, I observed the Dolphins employ a two-tight end red-zone formation with bruising running back Chris Brooks in the backfield. That’s big-boy football from a sprint-relay offense.

If the Dolphins are making more “big-boy” calls in the red zone, that’d be a big change for Miami and coach Mike McDaniel. And it’d be a positive one.

Tagovailoa said they’re only taking what the defense gives them, that there hasn’t been a philosophical change. He said the looks the offense has been getting from defensive coordinators Vic Fangio (last season) and Anthony Weaver (this season) are different from the looks they got from Josh Boyer (in 2022).

So the approach to attacking the defense in the red zone is different, not the offensive philosophy.

“It’s just a new look with the defense that we’re seeing,” Tagovailoa said of the red-zone play calls.

“Look at the past couple of years, outside of Boyer’s defense it hasn’t really been the same since then of the looks we get in the red area, and then third downs and situationally.”

Whatever the case, I’m encouraged.

I’m going to keep monitoring this situation throughout training camp and preseason games.

I think the offense is approaching the red zone differently this year. I don’t think they’re attacking the Weaver defense the same way they attacked the Fangio defense. I think the red-zone offense is more varied this year.

But I’ll take Tua at his word. After all, he’s forgotten more about football than I’ll ever know.

However, to me, the red-zone play-calling that I’ve seen in practice, whatever reason is behind it, has been different. I hope it’s a sign that McDaniel is approaching this situation a bit differently. And I hope Tua is just trying to be coy so that he doesn’t publicly reveal corporate secrets.

I see the Dolphins passing to tight ends more, and I see them running the ball more frequently from, say, the 5-yard line.

That wasn’t necessarily the case in Friday’s 20-13 preseason opening victory over Atlanta. But the Dolphins didn’t have their starters on the field.

Chris Perkins: My top 10 Dolphins concerns for 2024 (backup QB and OL aren’t on the list)

Against the Falcons, the Dolphins ran seven red-zone plays. Two were runs and five were passes although quarterback Skylar Thompson ended up scrambling on one of the passes. Quarterback Mike White didn’t run any red-zone plays.

The red-zone runs (running backs Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright got the carries) were positives because it shows a willingness to run the ball in a running situation.

As for the four passes, granted, they were all to wide receivers and running backs instead of tight ends.

But the main tight ends — Durham Smythe, Jonnu Smith and Julian Hill — weren’t in the game.

That left tight end duties to Jody Fortson Jr., Tanner Conner (who got injured) and Hayden Rucci.

None was targeted in the red zone.

Thompson threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Wilson.

And later Wright had a 6-yard touchdown run, which means it was a red-zone touchdown run.

Wrapped around those plays were a bunch of short passes to Wilson and wide receivers Malik Washington and Braylon Sanders.

Regardless, during training camp practices the Dolphins are showing positive change in their red-zone play calls. They’re more aggressive calls. They’re more physical calls.

Too often in the past two seasons McDaniel called cute, finesse, speedy plays in the red zone when muscle was required.

I think there’s been a change during this training camp.

I’ve observed the Dolphins going to Smith and Smythe more frequently. Both of those guys have been active from maybe the 12- or 15-yard line and closer. Smith, in fact, had a red-zone touchdown reception Tuesday during practice.

I think I’ve seen the Dolphins throwing to the tight ends more frequently in the red zone.

I think I’ve seen the Dolphins calling more running plays for running backs in the red zone.

I’ll monitor this situation in Saturday’s preseason game against Washington, when the starters should get plenty of plays in the first half, or at least in the first quarter.

Tagovailoa said the Dolphins are just being opportunistic in the red zone, that’s what I’m seeing.

“We’re just taking what the defense gives us,” he said, “and if it entails us more to throw it to the big guys down there that’s what it entails us to do.”

I hope he’s wrong. I hope I’m witnessing a philosophical change, or tweak, for the Dolphins’ red-zone offense.

Tagovailoa said Tuesday he wants to play in the team’s next preseason game, Saturday night against the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium.

“I hope so,” Tagovailoa said after Tuesday’s intrasquad training camp practice. “It’s always good for any of us, whether you’re a vet or whether you’re new, to get some reps, get back into the pregame routine. Get back into what it feels like getting ready for a game, all of that. Getting into game-like situations.

“Getting hit, hopefully not, but you never know when you’re out there, so sort of the mental gymnastics of that.”

It’s ultimately coach Mike McDaniel’s call, but last year, he had Tagovailoa and other starters play in the second preseason game after not playing them in the opener of the exhibition season.

Tagovailoa said McDaniel communicates with leaders on the team to decide the plan for preseason games.

“Hopefully we do get that opportunity,” Tagovailoa said. “It’ll be good, because this is our last one at home before we go to Tampa and then actually start the season.”

Before Saturday’s exhibition, the Dolphins have a Thursday joint practice session with Washington in Miami Gardens and one more intrasquad practice Wednesday.

With Tagovailoa sitting out, the Dolphins split quarterback snaps in Friday’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons between Skylar Thompson and Mike White, both who are competing for the backup quarterback duties behind Tagovailoa.

Neither particularly impressed, but Tagovailoa understood why the product on the field may not have looked up to par.

“It gets the jitters out,” Tagovailoa said. “I’m sure it was a little dicey for them getting out there because you’re getting new guys. It’s not the same guys as last year that are snapping to you, that you call the plays to, you’re having to tell what to do. So everything is new with the guys they have to go with.

“I think they handled themselves really well. I think they did a pretty good job.”

Thompson, starting and playing the first half, was 8 of 19 for 95 yards, a touchdown and an interception. White was 4 of 14 for 26 yards in the second half of the 20-13 exhibition victory. Neither played with starters, but White shared the field with players lower on the depth chart.

As Tagovailoa looks to build chemistry with offensive teammates in an in-game setting, one playmaker he hasn’t gotten to work with past the halfway point of camp is ballyhooed offseason acquisition Odell Beckham Jr.

Beckham remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list for an undisclosed injury. Tagovailoa said he’s only thrown to Beckham as a stationary target and the former star wide receiver isn’t yet able to run routes at this point.

“I got to see O catching and running routes with our guys first and getting into the mix first, before I can say anything,” Tagovailoa said.

“I think it’s more confidence for him once he starts running and catching balls, seeing it in that sense, with guys across from him. He has to know where to line up and what that play is, if he has a motion or if he doesn’t have a motion. That’s what I think will be one of the tougher parts.”

Tagovailoa also hasn’t worked with new Dolphins center Aaron Brewer in the past week since he suffered a hand injury in a joint practice with the Falcons.

“It was very key having Brew. We were just getting into a good rhythm,” Tagovailoa said. “Unfortunately, that’s what he’s dealing with now.”

Liam Eichenberg, who backed up Connor Williams at center and started eight games there last year, has been back to snapping for Tagovailoa, shifting inside from guard.

“I’ve had Liam the entire last year, so I have the utmost faith and confidence that we’ll be able to get back to doing what we need to do,” the quarterback said.

Tagovailoa pointed out that the botched snap exchanges have diminished significantly in recent days of drills, which is true.

For the most part, coach Mike McDaniel has kept the workload light this week and most of camp.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa got a good amount of work and had a good day, while wide receiver Jaylen Waddle didn’t practice again. It’s now been about a week, and five consecutive practices, since Waddle, who McDaniel said is nursing a minor ailment, has done anything in practice.  

Observations

— Guard Robert Jones wore the orange jersey, awarded to the player of the day for Monday’s practice. Jones could be the starter at left guard. …

— Among those not seen participating Tuesday: WRs Waddle and Anthony Schwartz, CBs Ethan Bonner and Jalen Ramsey, center Aaron Brewer, tight ends Jody Fortson Jr. and Tanner Conner, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., edge rusher Mohamed Kamara, defensive tackle Benito Jones, safeties Jordan Poyer and Jevon Holland. …

— CB Cam Smith returned to practice. …

— The defensive line seemed to get the best of the offensive line in 1-on-1 drills. Some examples: Edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah defeated RT Austin Jackson with an inside move; DTs Brandon Pili and Isaiah Mack beat OL Andrew Meyer. OT Ryan Hayes had some good reps, including getting the best of edge Chop Robinson. Hayes had a nice bounce back after getting beaten by LB Wyatt Ray. The defensive line is an area that will be eyed skeptically. …

— Defense probably won the early part of the first round of 11-on-11s. A lot of the runs were stopped short. Ray and DT Jonathan Harrison had a good stop on a Salvon Ahmed run; Tagovailoa had a short pass to RB Raheem Mostert under pressure. Tagovailoa also had an interception on a pass tipped by CB Siran Neal and picked off by S Marcus Maye. …

— The offense won the second part of that 11-on-11. Among the highlights were a 40-yard pass from QB Mike White to WR Tyreek Hill. Receivers were open all over the field, and TE Durham Smythe was open frequently. …

— K Jason Sanders was 6 for 6 on field-goal attempts, including hitting from 50 and 53 yards. Sanders had issues from 50 yards or more last season. …

— LB Jordyn Brooks dropped a potential interception from Tagovailoa. Brooks did pushups on the sideline to punish himself. …

— Tagovailoa hit WR River Cracraft inside for a nice gain in a situational 11-on-11 drill. Cracraft had a nice day and has done well since Waddle has been sidelined. …

— Robinson had a “sack” of Tagovailoa. Robinson, the first-round draft pick this year, continues to impress both with pass rushing and setting the edge on run plays. Veteran DL Calais Campbell gave Robinson a nice congratulations after the play. …

— Campbell was active in brief action. He stopped RB De’von Achane for no gain on a run up the middle. It’s not known how much the 37-year-old Campbell might play this Saturday vs. Washington. McDaniel has been careful; with his older players. …

— LB Duke Riley had a tackle for loss on RB Jaylen Wright. Riley has been active in training camp. Wright, who rushed for 55 yards on 10 carries in the preseason opener against Atlanta, didn’t get a lot of work Monday as Mostert, Achane and Ahmed, who returned to practice after being seen wearing a walking boot on his left foot in previous days, were used the most. …

— In the red zone 11-on-11, play calls weren’t as aggressive or forceful as Monday, when lots of running plays were called and TEs were utilized. Tuesday seemed more like a short-passing day from the red zone. …

— Campbell and Pili had a nice stop on Achane in the red zone 11-on-11. Campbell had a good day. Pili has a chance for playing time now that DT Teair Tart was released. …

— TE Jonnu Smith had an end-around TD in the red zone 11-on-11. Fans cheered heartily. Smith looked like would have run over the DB who was at the 3-yard line. …

— Mostert was stopped for no gain on a throw underneath in the red zone 11-on-11 and then stopped for maybe a 2-yard gain on a reception. …

— Tagovailoa rolled right, bought some time, and then found WR Erik Ezukanma in the end zone for a red-zone TD. …

— Jet motion seems to have become more distinct and deliberate. Anecdotally, the Dolphins have slowed their jet motion and made it very clear that they’re not heading upfield prematurely. But it happened once. Hill, in the red zone, had a false start on a jet motion play when he headed upfield too quickly on a pass that CB Jordan Fuller dropped a potential interception from Tagovailoa. …

— The Dolphins practice against themselves Wednesday and against Washington on Thursday, which is the last practice fans can attend. The Dolphins then host the Commanders at 7 p.m. Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in their second preseason game.

Stock up

Red-zone offense. The play calls are becoming more diverse and more players are involved. This is an improvement from the previous two seasons. Hopefully it continues through the regular season.

Stock down

TE Jody Fortson Jr. He keeps falling behind. Fellow tight end Smythe had an active day Tuesday and so did Smith. Both have been targeted more frequently in the offense, and Fortson is missing chances to establish himself.

Tart was an April signing who was expected to compete in training camp for a roster spot and playing time at nose tackle, but he was too inconsistent in camp and had missed recent practices and Friday night’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Tart has played 47 NFL games with 36 starts in his career, mostly in Tennessee. He was cut from the Titans in the 2023 season and picked up by the Houston Texans to wrap up his season. He has recorded 79 tackles (49 solo), 2 1/2 sacks, one interception, seven passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

Tart was behind Benito Jones in the nose tackle competition early in camp. He also appeared to be surpassed by Brandon Pili, who made the team as an undrafted rookie last year, in recent days.

“I think it’s a big opportunity,” Pili said after Tuesday’s practice. “I think it was a big opportunity when I first came in, starting this year, as well. It was an open room. But I think now it’s a little more of an opportunity that I could really take advantage of. I’m excited.”

Pili started Friday’s preseason opener and had a tackle for loss.

“The game moves fast,” he said of getting acclimated to the game setting again. “You just got to adjust and get used to the pace of the game again, but taking a lot of snaps in the league, it takes a toll on your body. That’s something that I haven’t really experienced too much, but now that I’ve gone through it, I think I’ve gotten better.”

Elsewhere on the defensive line this offseason, Miami added Calais Campbell, Neville Gallimore and Jonathan Harris among additions to put around the unit’s top returner, Zach Sieler. The Dolphins also brought back Da’Shawn Hand, who often rotated in for snaps on last year’s defensive line.

Last week, defensive line coach Austin Clark noted Tart’s play had been a bit up and down in drills, although every now and again he would flash by shedding a block for a tackle for loss against a running back or pressure on a quarterback.

The Dolphins are now down to one former FIU player on the roster, tight end Jonnu Smith, who has impressed in recent camp sessions.

No corresponding move was announced by the team with the release of Tart.

Eichenberg back at center

Dolphins offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg, who is listed on the depth chart as the first-team right guard, has been back at center with Aaron Brewer injured.

“Honestly, it’s not a big deal,” Eichenberg said Tuesday. “I can play center. I can play guard. This is what the team needs, and I’m here to help the team win. Honestly, nothing’s really changed for me. I’m trying to get better.”

Eichenberg, who has played every offensive line position for Miami, started eight games at center in 2023 as Connor Williams’ backup. Now, he’s vying for a starting guard spot this season, but with the newly acquired center, Brewer, dealing with a hand injury, Eichenberg is needed back at last year’s post.

After Friday’s preseason win over the Falcons, coach Mike McDaniel said Brewer’s injury is week-to-week.

Eichenberg added Tuesday on Brewer, “He’ll be back soon.”

He said, in competing at right guard prior to Brewer’s ailment, his progress at right guard had gone well, but now his focus shifts to center.

McDaniel recently offered praise for Eichenberg’s work in training camp.

“Liam Eichenberg has developed so much in the past couple seasons with us and has done so by being a master of multiplicity,” McDaniel said last week. “He’s really found ways to not only contribute, produce but then also improve whatever position he’s playing.”

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa highlighted Tuesday that he and Eichenberg haven’t had botched snap exchanges in practice, as a duo that has done it together before.

Eichenberg also noted that the calls at center have gotten easier for him.

Robert Jones, who has been the top left guard for Miami in camp, wore the orange jersey at Tuesday drills as the Monday practice player of the day.

Sure, neither Skylar Thompson or Mike White, who are battling the No. 2 quarterback job, were overly impressive vs. the Falcons. But backup quarterback isn’t a major concern with this team. White and Thompson will be fine serving as the backups for the second consecutive season.

People are overstating the backup quarterback issue, the QB-center exchange issue, and the offensive line issue. None are among my top 10 concerns for this Dolphins team.

To prove it, I’ll list my top concerns for the 2024 Dolphins.

But before we start that list, and before we open the 2024 season, let’s make sure we have our priorities straight with this Dolphins team.

First, a few rules and baseline statements.

The goal for this team is winning the Super Bowl (winning a playoff game for the first time in 24 years is an intermediate goal). Now. This year. And last year. And in 2022. That’s why they’ve devoted so many resources and so many draft picks to constructing this team. Expectations are high.

Previous Dolphins teams had a goal of, say, reaching the playoffs. Or maybe beating New England, which featured quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick, to win the AFC East.

The rules are different now for the Dolphins.

One of these teams that’s led by coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle must at least get to the AFC Championship. 

As for McDaniel, the coaching standard never changes. Ever. For all coaches at all levels, I hold them to the same standard — firstly, did you maximize the talent on your team, and secondly, did you get your team to exceed its max?

And specific to this team, they’ve got to be able to beat the best teams on their schedule, and they have to be able to win games in December and January. 

OK, now you know the rules. Here are my top 10 concerns for the 2024 Dolphins: 

10 — Dolphins need to diversify their offense. The offense has been too predictable. It’s all Hill and Waddle. Yes, Miami was 15th in rushing attempts last season, and yes, it posted 100-yard rushing performances in four of its seven games against playoff opponents. But for the most part, the Dolphins rely on Hill and Waddle way too much. There needs to be more involvement/activity from the running backs, tight ends and slot receivers, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

9 — Dolphins must have a successful pass rush. It’s good that edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) has been activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list, but there’s still a question as to when he might reach 100% health. And it might not happen this season. There’s still no timetable on edge rusher Bradley Chubb (knee) returning. In the meantime, edge rushers such as Emmanuel Ogbah, Chop Robinson and Quinton Bell will have to do more than their fair share. Otherwise, opposing quarterbacks could have their way with the Miami defense. 

8 — Dolphins need to find interior defensive linemen. We know interior defensive linemen Christian Wilkins (Las Vegas) and Raekwon Davis (Indianapolis) are gone from last season. Stopping the run begins with this group of guys. Miami was seventh in run defense (97.1 yards allowed per game) last season. Among guys such as Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Benito Jones, Da’Shawn Hand, Neville Gallimore, Teair Tart, Brandon Pili and others, the Dolphins have to find a way to control the line of scrimmage. 

7 — Dolphins must stay healthy. This is largely about the 30-somethings (Campbell, left tackle Terron Armstead, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., running back Raheem Mostert, safety Jordan Poyer and a couple of others). But it also includes key guys such as Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, running back De’Von Achane and a few others. Good health to key players has eluded Miami the past two seasons.

6 — Dolphins have to beat Buffalo. Buffalo has beaten the Dolphins in 13 of their past 15 meetings. During that span, Buffalo is 1-0 vs. Miami in the playoffs, 8-0 vs. Miami in Buffalo, and 6-1 vs. Miami in December/January games. 

5 — Dolphins must win on the road. In the past two seasons Miami is 13-4 (.765) at Hard Rock Stadium, and 7-12 (.368) away from Hard Rock Stadium, including the playoffs. Yikes.

4 — Dolphins have to show some toughness. I’ve written about this at least three times during the offseason, each time it was weeks before Poyer made his remarks. This is a huge thing. I wrote about it in February when defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver was hired, in March when I talked about some of the new signees, and in May after McDaniel commented “you have to be a tough-minded football team to be at your best at the end of the season.”

3 — McDaniel must improve as a coach. I’ve written about this numerous times, most recently in July, but also in January before the wildcard playoff game. This is imperative.

2 — Offensive stars have to perform better against the best teams on the schedule. This applies to everyone. For example, Tagovailoa had eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in seven games against playoff teams last season. Mostert had a franchise-record 18 rushing touchdowns last season, but only one came against a playoff team. Hill had eight 100-yard receiving games last season, but none came against playoff teams. Waddle had three 100-yard receiving games and four touchdowns. None of those were recorded against playoff teams. Starting to get the picture?

1 — The Dolphins must beat playoff-caliber teams. Miami is 3-12 in the past two seasons against playoff teams. In the 2022 season, when Tagovailoa was in and out of the lineup, the Dolphins were 2-6 against playoff teams and averaged 23.5 points per game in those losses. Last season, with Tagovailoa on the field for every game, the Dolphins were 1-6 against playoff teams and lost those seven games by an average score of 32-16. 

Those are my top 10 issues/concerns for the Dolphins this season. As you can see, I don’t have time right now to worry about backup quarterback, the center-quarterback exchange, or interior offensive line. The Dolphins have bigger concerns.