MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins held their first training camp practice in front of fans Saturday morning, highlighted by standout performances, an injury concern and a standout play following the return of a familiar face to the secondary.
Running back De’Von Achane donned the team’s coveted orange practice jersey — given to the player who excelled in the previous session — and with it, the right to choose the music for the day.
He made the most of his spotlight, breaking off what would’ve been a 60-plus yard touchdown run on the second play of 11-on-11 drills after a sharp cut to the left opened a clear lane that was created by tackle Patrick Paul and rookie guard Jonah Savaiinaea.
Practice opened with stretching drills, and newly signed cornerback Jack Jones — wearing No. 23 — was active in coverage.
That number previously belonged to Artie Burns, who tore his ACL earlier this week on the first day of camp.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers, selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, showed off a quick release as he connected with several third-team receivers during drills.
Quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson also flashed in one-on-one matchups between receivers and defensive backs.
One of the more concerning moments came when cornerback Kader Kohou appeared to injure his right leg while covering wide receiver Tyreek Hill on an out route. Kohou limped along the sideline before slowly walking off the field under his own power.
Jones had a standout play on his first day with the Dolphins, breaking up a slant intended for wide receiver Tarik Black.
Defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, the Dolphins’ 2025 first-round pick, teamed up with linebacker Jordyn Brooks to stop Achane in the backfield on the ensuing drive.
On the next play, newly signed running back Alexander Mattison cut up field for a first down, showcasing his versatility as a change-of-pace option. He showed quickness throughout the day when running in between and outside the tackles.
Wilson later found receiver Dee Eskridge for a 20-yard gain during 11-on-11s — one of the sharper throws of the session. Tagovailoa followed with a rollout completion to Jaylen Waddle for a first down on his second series, and Hill added a 15-yard jet sweep on the next play.
Mattison capped off the drive with several big runs, and Ewers connected with wideout Anthony Armstrong to move the chains before ending the drive.
Defensive end Jaelan Phillips looked strong throughout the day, his practice was highlighted after blowing up a short pass to tight end Tanner Conner in the backfield.
The first interception of camp came courtesy of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was recently reacquired in a trade with the Steelers that sent tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh.
Fitzpatrick leapt to snag a deep ball from Wilson intended for receiver Tahj Washington and was mobbed by teammates after the acrobatic grab.
Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. batted down a Tagovailoa pass at the line of scrimmage, and linebacker Derrick McClendon beat new starting guard James Daniels off the edge for what would’ve been a sack on the following drive.
Tagovailoa finished his next series by connecting with wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for a first down. He later connected with Waddle on a slant pattern for gains of 20 and 8 yards.
Waddle is hoping to having a big year after coming off a 2024 season where he didn’t record at least 1000 yards in a season for the first time in his career.
Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. recorded the second interception of the day after reaching back on a pass from Ewers.
Cornerback Cam Smith was beaten for a long gain by rookie wide receiver Monaray Baldwin. It was a tough day of practice for the former second-round pick.
Black looked sharp during Saturday’s practice. He’s trying to make the roster with a receiving core that includes Hill, Waddle, Malik Washington and Westbrook-Ikhene.
Tagovailoa ended practice with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Hill. The offensive line held strong on a play that had multiple rushers coming at QB1. His last throw of Saturday’s practice ended up in a 20+ yard completion to Waddle.
The Dolphins are off Sunday and will return to practice in front of fans on Monday at 9 a.m. at the Baptist Health Training Complex.
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