MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa set the tone at Dolphins training camp Monday morning by walking out in the orange practice jersey — an honor given to the previous day’s top performer and with it, the right to choose the music for practice.
It was a lively start to a day packed with competition, standout performances, and the first skirmish of training camp. Tua Tagovailoa and his teammates kicked off the morning listening to a mix of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and Polynesian music pulsing through the speakers as fans cheered for the team.
The morning opened with special teams work under new coordinator Craig Aukerman.
Notably, star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were seen fielding punts, though it’s unclear if either is being seriously considered for the return role.
Hill, entering his 10th NFL season, also made headlines off the field. He posted a video on X with a caption that trolled Olympic gold medalist sprinter Noah Lyles — a playful continuation of his ongoing challenge to race the track star.
off season archives… 😏 #NoahCouldNever https://t.co/OBFWmObdwU pic.twitter.com/4nZQToiv9p
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) July 28, 2025
Position groups spent a portion of the morning in individual drills before the team portion of practice began.
Cornerback Storm Duck did not participate, adding to a growing list of injuries in the Dolphins secondary.
Miami already lost veteran Artie Burns to a season-ending ACL tear during Wednesday’s first training camp and saw Kader Kohou go down with a lower leg injury during Saturday’s session.
In response, the Dolphins recently signed former Raiders cornerback Jack Jones and ex-Bengals safety Mike Hilton to reinforce the secondary.
At linebacker, Willie Gay Jr. flashed speed throughout the session as he continues to battle Lionel Dotson for a starting spot alongside Jordyn Brooks. Both Gay and Brooks had strong days, consistently tight in coverage and flying to the ball.
Second-year running back De’Von Achane showcased his explosiveness during 11-on-11 drills.
On his second carry, he found a massive hole on the left side and broke loose for what likely would’ve been a 48-yard touchdown.
Running back Alexander Mattison, in a position battle with rookie Jaylen Wright, had several impressive runs of his own — including a red zone burst up the middle.
Quarterback play was up and down throughout the day.
Tagovailoa connected with Hill on a 20-yard post and later found Waddle for a 20-yard sideline gain.
He also hit Hill on a 48-yard touchdown strike that brought fans to their feet, though it came after what likely would’ve been a sack.
Tagovailoa later capped a red zone drive with a short touchdown to Hill and another to tight end Tanner Conner.
Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers had an up-and-down showing.
He bobbled a snap and threw an incomplete pass in red zone drills, but rebounded with a 3-yard touchdown to rookie receiver AJ Henning, who made a diving catch off a high snap. Ewers later found Theo Wease Jr. for two touchdown grabs in goal-line situations.
Wease and Tarik Black are having a solid start to training camp.
Zach Wilson also saw significant reps as he competes with Ewers for the backup job.
He struggled early, failing to complete a pass in a red zone sequence, but improved later with completions to tight end Julian Hill and receiver Tarik Black.
Wilson finished a drive with a 35-yard strike to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who had been quiet for most of the day.
Surprisingly, the Dolphins quarterbacks decided not to look Westbrook Ikhine’s way in the red zone. The 28-year-old wideout scored in nine times for the Tennessee Titans last season.
Rookie running back Ollie Gordon had a potential touchdown with the third-team offense after strong push from the offensive line.
Kicker Jason Sanders was consistent, converting multiple field goals from 48 yards out.
Defensive end Jaelan Phillips looked sharp and quick, continuing his comeback from a partially torn ACL injury last year. He was seen on the sideline discussing pass-rush technique with rookie Chop Robinson.
The defense had several bright spots late in practice.
Defensive tackle Benito Jones stopped Achane for a short gain near the goal line.
Miami’s first-round pick Kenneth Grant was involved in the day’s only scuffle, getting into a brief altercation with reserve center Andrew Meyer.
The session ended with red zone work. Wilson found Wright on a screen for a touchdown and hit Black on a fade in the corner. Ewers followed with back-to-back touchdowns to Wease, capitalizing on what appeared to be busted coverage.
With strong performances from both established stars and players fighting for roster spots, Monday’s session continued the intensity of Dolphins training camp—underscored by growing competition across several position groups.
The Dolphins next practice in front of fans will take place on Tuesday at the Baptist Health Training Complex at 9 a.m. Click here for more information on how to attend.
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