Dolphins rookies to play in Hard Rock Stadium debut

Xavien Howard and Kenyan Drake to play Thursday

Davie, Fla. – The Dolphins will play two rookies on Thursday, the night that will mark the preseason debut of the newly renovated and newly named Hard Rock Stadium.

Coach Adam Gase saying on Sunday that both Xavien Howard and Kenyan Drake will play a set amount of plays on Thursday, "we don't want to overdo it, but I think right now they need to play.

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Those guys - if they're active for the Seattle game (regular season opener) - it'd be nice for them to have the experience of an NFL game."

Howard, a defensive back from Baylor, was drafted in the second round.

Drake, a running back out of Alabama, was drafted in the third round.

Both rookies have missed most of training camp with injuries, Howard with a knee and Drake with a hamstring.

As for Sunday's practice, the big moment came when much-maligned tight end Jordan Cameron caught a touchdown and was mobbed by teammates to celebrate the moment.

This comes after Cameron dropped several passes over the last two preseason games.

Ndamukong Suh did not practice on Sunday. 

Suh injured his ankle in the preseason game against the Falcons.

Coach Gase said the team was being careful with Suh because getting him healthy was more important than Sunday's practice.

Also missing practice on Sunday: Jelani Jenkins (knee), Mike Pouncey (hip), Isaiah Pead and Matt Moore (concussion).