Tagovailoa throws first INT to familiar face; Ingold placed in concussion protocol

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins’ Sunday training camp session was far from routine.

What began as a standard early-August practice ended up offering a pair of significant developments.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw his first interception of training camp, and fullback Alec Ingold was placed in concussion protocol after a goal-line collision.

Tagovailoa throws first INT of camp to familiar face

It was only a matter of time before Tagovailoa, who has looked sharp throughout camp, made a mistake.

That moment arrived late in Sunday’s session, when safety Minkah Fitzpatrick — now back in aqua and orange — jumped a sideline route and returned the interception 90 yards for a would-be touchdown.

Fitzpatrick read Tagovailoa’s eyes and cut under the route intended for Tyreek Hill, who was unable to track him down before Fitzpatrick celebrated in the end zone.

The play sent a jolt through both the defense and the crowd, punctuating a strong overall day for a Miami unit that’s emphasizing aggressiveness and turnovers under defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

Fitzpatrick and Tagovailoa were teammates at Alabama in 2017 when the Crimson Tide won the national championship over the Georgia Bulldogs.

The interception was notable not just for who made the play, but for how Tagovailoa responded.

On the following play, Tagovailoa returned to the field and connected with wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for a touchdown strike, showing poise and focus despite the turnover. NWI is coming off of a 2024 season that led the Tennessee Titans with nine touchdown receptions.

Throughout camp, Tagovailoa has maintained strong chemistry with Hill and Jaylen Waddle, highlighted earlier in the session by a 30-yard completion to Hill on a skinny post route and a highlight-reel, one-handed grab by Waddle that brought fans to their feet.

The interception may have been his first, but overall, the offense continues to show rhythm — even against a defense that is stacking strong practices.

Ingold injury add to Dolphins concerns

Just as attention began to shift toward the quarterback battle behind Tagovailoa, the Dolphins were hit with a more immediate concern.

Fullback Alec Ingold, one of the team’s most reliable and respected offensive contributors, left practice after taking a hard hit.

The play occurred during a full-contact red zone drill, with the offense taking snaps at the 1-yard line.

Ingold was in on a run play when the collision occurred. Though he was able to walk off the field under his own power, trainers quickly assessed him and the team later confirmed he has been placed in concussion protocol.

Ingold’s absence could be significant.

Ingold is a core piece in Miami’s offense. His versatility as a receiver, pass protector and ability in short yardage adds to the offense’s flexibility — traits that aren’t easily replaced.

With tight end Darren Waller still being eased in after coming out of retirement and Jonnu Smith traded to Pittsburgh earlier this offseason, the Dolphins’ short-yardage personnel packages may see some shuffling in the coming days.

Other notes

Minkah Fitzpatrick’s pick-six wasn’t the only defensive highlight. Defensive tackle Zeek Biggers continued to flash, getting strong push up the middle, while Bradley Chubb notched a tackle for loss on Devon Achane near the goal line.
Willie Gay Jr., the former two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker from Kansas City, stood out with multiple plays against the run and in coverage. He’s quickly emerging as a vocal presence on the field.
Running back Alexander Mattison is making the most of his camp reps, showing burst and consistency as both a runner and receiver. He may be earning more snaps, potentially cutting into the touches of former third round pick Jaylen Wright
Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered a few strong throws, including a 25-yard strike to Theo Wease Jr. However, that play likely would’ve resulted in a sack by newly signed cornerback Mike Hilton in a live setting.
Kicker Jason Sanders remained perfect during camp, hitting field goals from 35, 37, and 52 yards.
Cornerback Mike Hilton was able to blow up Jaylen Wright at the goal line for a would-be safety.
Aaron Brewer sent a high snap over the head of Tagovailoa, which would’ve resulted in a safety in live play. However, Brewer settled in afterward and delivered clean snaps for the remainder of the session.
Defensive back Jordan Colbert had the team’s second interception of training camp on Sunday. He picked off Zach Wilson on a pass that didn’t have an offensive players in the area.
OL Larry Borom filled in for Jackson at right tackle in Sunday’s practice. The team has not said if Borom will start at the position if Jackson misses Week 1.

Injury roundup

The Dolphins are already navigating several injury issues on both sides of the ball. Along with Ingold’s new concussion designation:

Cornerbacks Kader Kohou and Artie Burns have both been ruled out for the season.
Offensive linemen Austin Jackson and Alijah Davis are currently sidelined with lower body injuries. Jackson is not expected to miss Week 1’s game vs. Indianapolis.
Tight end Darren Waller continues to be held out of full-team drills as he ramps up conditioning.
Defensive end Jaelan Phillips is day to day after suffering a bruise on his leg.
Backup center Andrew Meyer left practice for an undisclosed reason

Looking ahead

The Dolphins will be back on the field Wednesday at 9 a.m. as training camp rolls on in Miami Gardens.

With the team’s first preseason game drawing closer, roster battles are heating up and injury management will be a growing storyline.

For Tagovailoa and the Dolphins, the challenge now is maintaining momentum while weathering inevitable camp adversity — the kind that Sunday brought into sharp focus.