Advertisement

Which Dolphins have the most to gain from preseason finale vs. the Eagles?

Whether Dolphins starters will play in the team’s preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night is unknown. After multiple players contracted a stomach virus, resulting in the cancellation of Thursday’s joint practice with Philadelphia, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he would have to wait to determine who might be available.

Regardless of which starters see the field, it likely won’t be for long. The spotlight will once again be on players competing for roster spots.

“There are some jobs to be settled, and it’s not as easy as who has the most tackles, who has the most yards,” McDaniel said Thursday. “I look at it like this, each position is coached by a position coach that is accumulating points of emphasis during the course from May on, and you see how people adjust. The longer that you get into camp, the more specific those things get. In that process, you’re seeing how people respond. And by nature, especially with a competitive roster, we have more NFL players than spots.”

Here are six players with the most to gain from the final preseason game:

Greg Little

Little has yet to play in the preseason, sidelined with an undisclosed injury. The fourth-year player, listed as the team’s backup left tackle, returned to practice this week and is poised to make his preseason debut Saturday. Little’s absence led to extended opportunities for Larnel Coleman and Kion Smith, but neither did enough to unseat Little for the top swing tackle position. With fewer opportunities for evaluation, a good performance from Little could dissuade the front office from seeking outside options at tackle, whether that be signing a free agent or making a trade.

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Greg Little (75) signing autographs to fans after NFL football training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, August 5, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Greg Little (75) signing autographs to fans after NFL football training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, August 5, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Noah Igbinoghene

The third-year player has struggled in recent weeks and was targeted on the opening drive of last week’s preseason loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Recent injuries to Nik Needham and Keion Crossen will likely put Igbinoghene back into the starting lineup Saturday. The state of the Dolphins’ cornerback room could also result in a lot of playing time for him. Igbinoghene’s performance in training camp hasn’t fostered confidence if he were to be inserted in the regular season, but he remains one injury from a major role. Saturday could be a chance to put a few tough practices and games behind him ahead of Week 1.

Miami Dolphins’ Noah Igbinoghene (9) works against Kader Kohou during an NFL football training camp practice Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Miami Dolphins’ Noah Igbinoghene (9) works against Kader Kohou during an NFL football training camp practice Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Elijah Campbell

The Dolphins are still looking for a backup free safety and Campbell is one of the finalists for that role after Sheldrick Redwine was released on Tuesday. While listed as a defensive back, Campbell has lined up mainly as a safety in the preseason. He came up with an acrobatic interception in the team’s preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has played a lot of special teams, which is always a requisite for players fighting for roster spots.

Miami Dolphins defensive back Elijah Campbell (22) looks on during NFL football training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Miami Dolphins defensive back Elijah Campbell (22) looks on during NFL football training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Alec Ingold

The team’s starting fullback is expected to make his preseason debut after spending much of training camp in a red, noncontact jersey. It will be Ingold’s first game since tearing his ACL in November 2021. Ingold expressed excitement to return to the field earlier this week, and he could help boost a running game that has been stagnant in the preseason.

Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold (30) runs with the football during NFL football training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday, August 23, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold (30) runs with the football during NFL football training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday, August 23, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Verone McKinley III

The former Oregon safety has made it to the final round of cuts and has maybe the best chance of any undrafted rookie to stick on the 53-man roster. Dolphins decision-makers have extensive film on McKinley, who has played a combined 90 snaps in the first two preseason games. Safeties coach Steve Gregory praised McKinley’s acumen and his ability to make play calls in the secondary. Though he has not made a splash play in the preseason, McKinley had a two-day stretch of camp with three takeaways, which was one of his strengths in college. McKinley rejoined his former Ducks teammate Jevon Holland when he signed with the Dolphins and could end up as his backup.

Miami Dolphins safety Verone McKinley III (32) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, August 13, 2022 in Tampa, FL. The Dolphins defeat the Buccaneers 26-24. (Peter Joneleit via AP)
Miami Dolphins safety Verone McKinley III (32) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, August 13, 2022 in Tampa, FL. The Dolphins defeat the Buccaneers 26-24. (Peter Joneleit via AP)

Kader Kohou

Kohou could be the Dolphins’ latest undrafted gem. A Division II player at Texas A&M-Commerce, Kohou moved to a Dallas suburb from the Ivory Coast with his family when he was a child. He didn’t speak English — French was his first language — but used sports to make friends growing up. Injuries in the secondary could push Kohou into one of the final cornerback spots, but his recent play has warranted legitimate consideration, too. He almost reeled in a leaping interception against the Raiders and held his own against Philadelphia Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in their joint practice Wednesday.

Miami Dolphins Kader Kohou (38) catches during practice drills at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens on Friday, July 29, 2022.
Miami Dolphins Kader Kohou (38) catches during practice drills at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens on Friday, July 29, 2022.