The Miami Dolphins are one of the NFL’s most talented and inconsistent teams. They are also one of the most injury-prone. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussions are well-documented.
However, the Dolphins have dealt with many injuries at running back, with Da’Von Achane and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle missing time.
Who’s in and Who’s Out for the Dolphins?
That may be why Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel may be cagey about who will play in their first preseason game against the Chicago Bears.
Moreover, the two teams held a joint practice at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois, on Friday, and Tagovailoa threw three interceptions.
Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted by Bears’ Tremaine Edmunds in red zone
Three INTs for Tua today
Entered today with one in all of training camp
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) August 8, 2025
It was the worst day of camp for Tagovailoa, who had only been picked off once throughout training camp. Misery loves company, so it’s fitting that the Dolphins’ running back Alexander Mattison fumbled three times, and Bears’ second-year quarterback Caleb Williams torched the Dolphins’ starting corners.
Wide receiver Hill didn’t participate in the competitive part of practice because of an oblique injury. Instead, he worked out on a side field.
As for the rest of the starters, there’s little reason for McDaniel to risk his best players in what amounts to a dress rehearsal.
Dolphins to Keep an Eye on
Rookie first-round pick defensive tackle Kenneth Grant could get an extended look on Sunday. The 6’4″, 331 lbs monster out of Michigan is expected to stuff the run and be able to contribute to the pass rush with a little more polish.
“I’m pretty excited, to be honest,” Grant told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “Coming out here (Friday for a joint practice with Chicago) helps me build confidence to go into that game. I’m pretty amped up for that.”
Tagovailoa could conceivably play a series or two, but backup quarterback Zach Wilson will likely get an extended look in the first half.
Seventh-round pick, quarterback Quinn Ewers, and running back Ollie Gordon II will likely play most of the second half. But the strategy’s effectiveness can only begin with the game’s commencement.
Tight end Darren Waller won’t appear but is worth monitoring. He came out of retirement in the offseason and is still working back into football shape. He’s on the PUP, but he’s expected to be an integral part of the Dolphins’ offense.
