Cornerback Lippett injures right ankle

Miami Dolphins cornerback Tony Lippett suffered a right ankle injury that could potentially sideline him for Thursday night’s exhibition opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The injury happened during Tuesday’s practice during an early 11-on-11 session. Lippett was taken inside to be evaluated by Miami’s medical staff. He returned to watch practice, but coach Adam Gase said Miami need a more thorough evaluation of the injury. “It’s all right. It’s just something I’ve got to bounce back from, deal with and just attack,” said Lippett, who contributed 67 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 2016, when he served as a starter for 13 games. “My head is pretty good. I’m going to be all right.”

Lippett, who missed last season because of an Achilles tendon injury he suffered during training camp, has gotten off to a slow start this season. He worked with the starters the second day of training camp, but has been losing ground in the competition for the starting cornerback spot opposite Xavien Howard.

Torry McTyer, a former UNLV standout who made Miami’s 53-man regularseason roster as an undrafted rookie last year, and Cordrea Tankersley, the Dolphins’ 2017 third-round pick, have each spent five days with the first-team defense. Lippett has only spent one day with the firstteam in three weeks.

If Lippett can’t play on Thursday, the Dolphins would give Taveze Calhoun, and rookie cornerbacks Cornell Armstrong and Jalen Davis more snaps with the second- and thirdteam defense.

CARLINE JEAN/STAFF FILE PHOTO CB Tony Lippett’s ankle injury is being evaluated.