Turnovers, tough defense mark Dolphins-Jaguars joint practice

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up a spirited joint practice Thursday that featured plenty of defensive highlights, turnovers and physical battles on both sides of the ball.

Miami’s defense, which has emphasized tightening coverage and creating takeaways during training camp, made its presence felt early.

Cornerback Jack Jones jumped a route and picked off Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on a pass intended for Brian Thomas Jr., continuing a strong camp after a shaky showing against Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown in last week’s joint sessions.

However, Thomas returned the favor with a 45-yard grab from Lawrence with Jones in coverage.

Linebacker Bradley Chubb added to the defensive effort by knocking down a Lawrence pass at the line of scrimmage, though the play would have been nullified by a defensive offsides flag.

The Jaguars defense produced momentum-swinging plays of its own.

Tight end Pharoah Brown, who had hauled in an impressive one-handed catch, lost control of the ball when linebacker Ventrell Miller jarred it loose for a fumble.

Jacksonville’s defensive front also pressured Miami late in team drills, forcing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to throw the ball away on multiple snaps after his receivers were unable to create separation.

Still, Tagovailoa managed a few key completions in between the stalled drives.

He connected with fullback Alec Ingold on a short gain and later found wideout Dee Eskridge over the middle for 17 yards on 4th and 10, one of the sharper plays for Miami’s offense during the two-hour session.

Eskridge is coming off a solid preseason game vs. the Lions after recording 3 catches for 53 yards and a score.

Perhaps the most eye-catching moment of the day came on the ground.

Rookie running back Ollie Gordon delivered a punishing stiff arm on Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, breaking through multiple defenders on a carry that would have gone for a first down. Gordon was also able to score in goal line drills vs. the Jags in the earlier portion of practice.

The run energized Miami’s sideline and underscored the team’s depth at running back behind De’Von Achane. Gordon could have an increased role in the offense as Achane continues to recover from a calf injury.

Dolphins linebacker Quenton Bell continues to make plays in run and pass protection. Bell stuffed multiple running backs in the middle and recorded a sack on quarterback Nick Mullens in drills.

Since the recent addition of linebacker Matthew Judon, coaches have noted the improved play of the EDGE rushers as a whole.

Tight end Darren Waller, who was officially activated off the physically unable to perform list Wednesday, did not take part in drills.

The Dolphins continue to bring him along slowly as he works his way into the lineup after coming out of retirement.

Overall, Thursday’s work reflected a day dominated by defense and situational execution.

The Dolphins secondary showed growth after yielding several explosive plays in recent sessions, while the Jaguars linebackers and defensive backs frustrated Miami’s pass-catchers in key situations.

Both teams used the practice to fine-tune adjustments ahead of their upcoming preseason game, with coaches rotating personnel heavily and emphasizing red-zone situations, third-down conversions and ball security.

Injury news and notes

• CB/WR Travis Hunter, Tyreek Hill and Achane did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Hunter was seen running sprinting drills on the sidelines.

• Wide receiver AJ Henning, who limped off the field during a special teams period, was carted off the field. He was later seen on crutches nursing his left leg.

• Running back Jaylen Wright was also seen walking to the Baptist Health Medical Center with a limp. It’s a situation to monitor as Achane recovers from a calf injury.

• Linebacker Jordyn Brooks was also slow to get up during a situational drill vs. the Jaguars. He looked to be favoring his lower body and walked off the field with a noticeable limp.

Dolphins cornerback Cornell Armstrong appeared to sprain his left ankle in warmups. The Dolphins have not been able to avoid the injury bug at that position.

• Head coach Mike McDaniel said first round defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is “day to day” after missing practices on Wednesday and Thursday due to a personal reason.

Thursday was the last day of Dolphins training camp. Miami (1-0-1) will host Jacksonville (0-1-1) in their last game of the preseason at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

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