Miami Dolphins Training Camp Practice 14 Observations: Big Bell, Ewers News (But With a Caveat), Johnson Shines

The Miami Dolphins were back at practice Monday for a short session that featured some half-speed work, but more notably the return of a couple of notable players.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers was back at practice for the first time since the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders when he sustained what was reported as a groin injury.

Rookie wide receiver Chris Bell practiced without a red jersey for the first time since being activated from the Non-Football Injury list, and cornerback JuJu Brents took part in team periods for the first time in a couple of weeks.

Before we declare any of those players fully back, though, just based on their participation Monday, we should point out the team reps not involving the first-team offense and defense were done at half speed.

Head coach Jeff Hafley said before practice that would be the plan and was a byproduct of the projected starters not playing in the preseason game against the New York Giants on Saturday and the backups getting a lot of snaps in that 26-3 loss.

Bell did get a couple of full-speed reps, but he didn't make a catch, dropping a Malik Willis floater in the middle of the field after the pass barely cleared linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.

The practice, which came in under 90 minutes, was conducted most of the way in the rain, at first light but increasing in intensity after a bit.

ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Dolphins still practice without several key veterans and the tight end room is getting thinner.

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, edge Clelin Ferrell, linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr. and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant again missed practice but were in attendance.

Rookie linebacker Trey Moore, edge Cameron Goode and cornerback Ahmari Harvey were the three players who didn't practice and were not spotted.

At tight end, rookie draft picks Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore joined Ben Sims on the sidelines.

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

-- The first-team defense had the better of the offense, with Malik Willis completing 7 of 16 passes in team periods without necessarily having a bad day. He did have his share of passes broken up, often because of tight coverage, though once on a pass thrown a bit behind the receiver.

-- Rookie first-round pick Chris Johnson was the standout player on traffic with some outstanding coverage once again. His highlight play came early in practice when he blanketed Caleb Douglas on what looked like a go route, to the point where Douglas gave up and Johnson became the closest player to the deep pass that Willis threw. This wasn't the first time that Johnson has shut down Douglas, as he continues to look better and better.

-- On the flip side, Douglas continues to be awfully quiet following all the national praise that came his way with his circus catch in the Washington preseason game. He was held without a catch for a second time in three practices.

-- Rookie free agent D.J. Herman continues to make his case for a spot on the 53-man roster. He came up with a couple of nice lead blocks on running plays.

-- Guard Jonah Savaiinaea also appeared to have a nice opening block on a De'Von Achane run where he found some daylight up the middle.

-- There were no officials at the Baptist Health Training Complex, which might have been good news for left tackle Patrick Paul, who was kinda sorta holding on a couple of pass-protection reps against Chop Robinson and Josh Uche.

-- Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. had a would-be sack when he came in free on a blitz.

-- Tight end Greg Dulcich had a nice high catch over the middle on a Willis pass thrown a bit behind him.

-- Jalen Tolbert had a nice touchdown catch in a red zone period when he went up in the back of the end zone to beat safety Michael Taaffe.

-- Ewers also had a touchdown pass in the red zone to running back Carlos Washington Jr., but again that was at half-speed.

-- Tight end Jeremiah Franklin had a touchdown catch from third quarterback Cam Miller.

-- With Ewers back, Mark Gronowski didn't take snaps in team reps and his time on the roster obviously is short.

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