Reserves get bulk of reps ahead of opener

Depth chart could start to shake out against Falcons

DAVIE Plenty of backups got extensive snaps during the Miami Dolphins’ final practice before Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Brian Flores and his coaching staff were clearly preparing the second- and third-team offense and defense for the considerable amount of snaps they’ll likely be handling Thursday as the starters are expected to get only a handful of snaps.

The Dolphins are searching for players who will rise to the occasion on those units because the roster lacks depth. The team also is searching for capable backups to develop.

STOCK UP

Michael Deiter concluded his second week practicing with the first team as the starting left guard and has shown marked improvement. Deiter, a former Wisconsin standout the Dolphins selected in the third round of the 2019 draft, has improved his technique and likely will be given an opportunity to prove he deserves to be the season-opening starter.

STOCK DOWN

The Dolphins are entering year three of trying to make Charles Harris, the team’s 2017 first-round pick, a respectable defensive end. The problem is Harris has struggled at setting the edge on running plays, which was the case on Tuesday. Harris was getting manhandled by tight end Dwayne Allen, allowing running plays to get outside of his lane. That’s a recipe for disaster if it happens in games.

OBSERVATIONS

TE Mike Gesicki caught a touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick during red-zone team work, beating Bobby McCain. Every offensive player came over to Gesicki to celebrate. Gesicki had a number of respectable catches during Tuesday’s practice. …

Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker and Isaiah Ford are handling work with the first team in Miami’s three-receiver set because Jakeem Grant and Albert Wilson remain sidelined with injuries. Wilson, who only participates in individual and position drills, was spotted doing sprints the length of the field. …

Patrick Laird, an undrafted rookie from the University of California, had a nice between-the-tackles run during 11-on-11 drills. …

Tank Carradine, who has spent the past six practices working as a starting defensive end, beat Laremy Tunsil to produce a would-be sack during 11-on-11s. …

With Grant sidelined, Kenyan Drake and Ford are handling the kickoff duties. It’s likely that they’ll also handle punt-return duties, along with rookie receiver Trent Irwin.

CB Nik Needham, an undrafted rookie from UTEP, spent his second day with the first-team defense because of the injury that has sidelined Eric Rowe for the past two practices.

INJURY UPDATE

A day after suffering what appeared to be a groin injury, Jerome Baker participated in Tuesday’s practice on a limited basis. …

Kiko Alonso, who is Baker’s backup, was held out of 11-on-11 work and spent the final hour of the practice session working on the side with a trainer. …

Offensive lineman Zach Sterrup sat out Tuesday’s practice, and Will Holden, who had been sidelined the past few days, returned. …

Linebackers Chase Allen, Raekwon McMillan and Jonathan Woodard were all held out of practice due to undisclosed injuries.