DE Harris vows to play faster
Rookie aims to think less and play more
DAVIE — Charles Harris was critical of himself following his first NFL game, where the former Missouri standout didn’t record a tackle or a sack in Miami’s 23-20 preseason win over the Atlanta Falcons.
The Miami Dolphins’ first-round pick said Monday that he was “really hesitant” while working as Miami’s second-team defensive end during last Thursday’s game.
“It was my first game, and I didn’t want to mess up,” said Harris, who did produce a few quarterback pressures.
“Coach T [Terrell Williams] and coach Dre [Andre Carter] told me I just need to go. My best attribute is my speed, so get off the ball and then react. Play instinctively and don’t think about things too much.”
Harris, who is well-entrenched behind starters Cameron Wake and
Andrew Branch at the defensive end spot, insinuated that he needs to spend less time trying to diagnose the formations and more time focused on getting up field and being physical.
Injury update
Cornerback Tony Lippett left Monday’s practice with an undisclosed injury. Lippett had been having issues with his feet recently.
Ja’Wuan James’ practice participation was limited to individuals drills because of the shoulder injury he’s nursing. Sam Young continues to fill in for James as Miami’s starting right tackle, and he’ll likely start Thursday’s game against Baltimore in James’ place.
Tight end Julius Thomas and offensive guard Kraig Urbik sat out practice to rest their backs. Safety Walt Aikens, who is also nursing a back injury, sat out his second consecutive practice.
Nate Allen, who is Miami’s projected starting free safety, sat out his seventh practice in a row due to a groin injury.
Receivers Leonte Carroo and Jordan Westerkamp both are slowed by hamstring injuries that have kept them from practicing this week.
Linebacker Neville Hewitt continues to be sidelined by a groin injury.
The Dolphins will reportedly sign former Arizona receiver Trey Griffey, the son of Hall of Fame baseball player and Orlando resident Ken Griffey Jr., to address e numerous injuries they’ve suffered at the position.
Practice closed
The Dolphins announced Monday afternoon that today’s practice will take place inside the practice bubble and will be closed to the public.The session was supposed to be the final training camp practice for the Dolphins that was open to the public.
The Dolphins’ final two preseason games will be Aug. 24 at Philadelphia and Aug. 31 at Minnesota.