Miami Dolphins’ Kenyan Drake and Xavien Howard to make preseason debut
Miami Dolphins rookie draft picks Kenyan Drake and Xavien Howard have both been hampered thus far this preseason by injuries. However, it is now being reported that both players will be making their Dolphins debut this Thursday night against the visiting Tennessee Titans.
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Thus far this preseason, both rookies have been sidelined with their own injuries. Howard has missed time following arthroscopic surgery during the offseason while Drake was recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained since his arrival with the team during the past offseason.
Speaking to the media following Sunday’s practice where both players performed on the field for the first time this preseason, head coach Adam Gase spoke of some urgency as it pertains to getting both players in-game reps. “We’re going to play them both. We don’t want to overdo it, but I think right now they need to play.”
For Drake, this game will likely be about getting adjusted to the pace of the NFL. Injured for most of his college career at the University of Alabama, Drake is the change-of-pace option that Gase could utilize in certain situations this season. Getting some time on the field Thursday night will definitely help in his adjustment to the NFL game.
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The good news for Drake will be his lack of playing time early in the season. Continuing to recover from his injury is the main goal for Drake. With two quality backs ahead of him, Drake should be given the time to make a full recovery before he is called into regular season action.
Xavien Howard’s situation is little bit more complicated. Drafted in the second round by the Dolphins out of the University of Baylor, Howard was seen by many as the team’s second starting cornerback. However, since he missed so much time this preseason, Howard will have to battle back to earn a starting spot.
If Howard plays well against the Titans on Thursday night then he definitely will see his stock rise. With Tony Lippett not playing that well thus far, Howard could still find a way to wiggle his way into a starting role at cornerback for the Miami Dolphins this season.
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