Dolphins, Falcons discuss holding joint practices

The Miami Dolphins have had discussions to participate in joint preseason practices with the Atlanta Falcons, but the likeliness of both teams practicing together with looming novel coronavirus concerns make the scenario quite optimistic.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Tuesday his team had engaged in the possibility of scrimmaging with both the Dolphins and Buffalo Bills “way back in the offseason.”

If such practices did happen involving Miami, they would likely occur in Atlanta during the week of Aug. 13 when both teams are tentatively scheduled to hold their first preseason game. The Falcons visit the Bills during the second week of the preseason.

“If those guidelines are in place that we’re able to [have preseason scrimmages], we will. And obviously, if they’re not, we won’t,” Quinn told reporters about the potential practices.

The NFL is continuing to iron out its own details with regards to teams being able to first return to their respective practice facilities this offseason, while also considering measurements needed to conduct a full preseason and 2020 NFL season with or without fans in attendance.

The Dolphins have not had any discussions with other teams on their preseason schedule about holding joint practices.

Miami is scheduled to host the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions for preseason games at Hard Rock Stadium after meeting the Falcons before ending the preseason against the Saints in New Orleans on Sept. 3 or 4. Preseason dates and game times are not yet finalized.

The Dolphins had no additional comment regarding the issue.

NFL teams convening for preseason practices have become a staple during the exhibition season in recent years.

Having joint practices would not be unusual for the Dolphins, who had such workouts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leading up to their preseason game last year. Before that, the Dolphins joined the eventual Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles for joint practices during the 2017 preseason.

The practices allow coaches and players to gauge themselves against competition they will see during the season, while breaking up the monotony of practicing against teammates during training camp.

It’s unlikely the NFL would green-light such scenarios in the new age of COVID-19 unless a significant breakthrough in treating or containing the virus is discovered.

The Dolphins’ 2020 schedule was released last week with the season opener expected to be in New England against the Patriots on Sept. 13.