TAMPA — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has punted on the third preseason game.
Just one projected starter — guard Robert Jones — is in uniform for Friday night’s exhibition contest with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Miami Dolphins Players Not in Uniform vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offense
- QB Tua Tagovailoa
- RBs Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, Chris Brooks, Alec Ingold
- WRs Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, River Cracraft, Erik Ezukanma, Braylon Sanders
- TEs Durham Smythe, Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner
- OLs Terron Armstead, Aaron Brewer, Liam Eichenberg, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm
Defense
- DLs Zach Sieler, Benito Jones, Calais Campbell, Da’Shawn Hand
- LBs Jaelan Phillips, David Long Jr., Anthony Walker Jr., Jordyn Brooks, Emmanuel Ogbah, Duke Riley
- DBs Jalen Ramsey, Cam Smith, Kendall Fuller, Kader Kohou, Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, Marcus Maye, Patrick McMorris
Analysis
Anyone but Jones who is a starter or expected to play a key role and not a rookie is getting the night off.
That means it’ll be the Mike White and Skylar Thompson showcase, as the battle for QB2 enters its final stage.
And about a couple of players who might be headed for injury reserve next week? Ezukanma and safety Patrick McMorris were both spotted in walking boots Friday night.
The prospects of making the team seem high for Hand, Maye, and Julian Hill. The Dolphins making them scratches bodes well for all three making the 53.
As for the Buccaneers, their healthy starters are expected to play, including Tampa Bay’s QB1 Baker Mayfield.
