Pro Bowler Howard reports to Dolphins training camp
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Dolphins coach Brian Flores agreed that the first day of training camp is a bit like the first day of a new school year.
“That kind of vibe,” Flores said Tuesday, as players reported.
Actually, all players reported, including star cornerback Xavien Howard, who skipped spring activities, voluntary and otherwise. “X-A-V-I-E-N?”
“Present.”
Flores said he’s excited to work with Howard and all of the players on the team. Flores said he’d keep private if there have been any talks about tweaking Howard’s contract.
“He’s a great player,” Flores said. Howard is a great player and he expressed his displeasure in the spring by sitting out and accepting his fines. There will be no such fines this summer.
Flores sees great benefit in having No. 25 walking around the Dolphins’ shiny new building.
“His ability to practice, build chemistry, build camaraderie – every year it’s a new team,” Flores said. “So playing with different players. There are a few different players throughout the secondary, and really throughout the team. Getting acclimated to a new building, a new facility. There are a lot of things that are good with having him here.”
Flores said that rookie offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg has signed a contract. He was the last remaining unsigned draft pick.
Eichenberg might very well protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side. But training camp is the time to prove he’s ready for that.
Flores said receiver Preston Williams, who injured an ankle Nov. 11 and missed the final eight games of the season, is not ready to practice. Williams will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Williams could be activated at any time before final cuts are made.
However if a player is not ready to return before then, they could be miss the first six games of the season. There is not yet an indication that Williams will not be ready for the regular season.
Miami has outstanding depth at receiver. It will be interesting to see how newcomers Jaylen Waddle and Will Fuller are acclimated when players take the field for the first time, on Wednesday, in a practice open to the media.
Flores’ third training camp opens with increased expectations. Tagovailoa is much healthier and prepared to succeed now than he was as a rookie.
Miami’s roster had increased its depth and overall talent each year since Flores’ arrival. The goal is clearly to make the playoffs.