Albert Wilson shines again, stock up, stock down and other Thursday observations
It’s a good thing receiver happens to be one of the deepest positions on the Miami Dolphins’ roster.
With Will Fuller, DeVante Parker and Preston Williams sidelined by injuries during the first week of training camp, many of the team’s other receivers have been given an opportunity to impress.
No one has benefited more than Albert Wilson, who led the NFL in yards after catch in 2018 before suffering a hip injury that he’s struggled to come back from.
Wilson, who sat out last season as a COVID-19 opt-out player, is proving he’s gotten back the speed and shake-and-bake ability, delivering deep ball receptions in back-to-back practices. He’s clearly been the team’s top performer during both practice sessions.
“It’s night and day. I’m completely healthy,” Wilson said, referring to the hip injury that limited his productivity in 2019. “I feel like I can do everything and that is what I plan on doing.”
Rookie Jaylen Waddle, the speedy receiver Miami selected with the sixth pick, also is getting plenty of snaps. The Dolphins envision the former Alabama standout becoming a big play weapon in Miami’s offense, and he’s getting the reps to carve out that role.
Wideouts Robert Foster, Allen Hurns and Isaiah Ford also have delivered big plays for quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who was signed to be Tua Tagovailoa’s backup.
Ford made a number of standout catches during Thursday’s practice, and one of them was a deep reception from Brissett. Ford, a 2017 seventh-round pick who tends to be typecast as a slot receiver, has shown the necessary speed to threaten safeties.
Foster, a free agent added this offseason, has also been a pleasant surprise, producing a handful of impressive catches in both practices.
Camp observations
The offense had a productive day during goal-line situations, with Tagovailoa and Brissett each throwing a couple of touchdowns. But considering plays start at the 5-yard line, offensive success should be expected. …
Cornerback Byron Jones had a nice pass breakup on a deep throw to Albert Wilson while trailing. Jones clearly felt he should have pulled down an interception because he did a series of pushups after the play as punishment. …
Rookie Hunter Long, the Boston College tight end the Dolphins selected in the third round, fumbled twice during Thursday’s practice. A defender dislodged a short catch that turned into a scramble that the defense recovered during 11-on-11 work. Also, fellow tight end Adam Shaheen knocked the ball free from Long during a fumble drill.
Long wasn’t the only ball carrier who fumbled during that drill (tailback Patrick Laird also fumbled), but two fumbles in one practice is too many. …
Quarterback Reid Sinnett, who spent last season on the Dolphins’ practice squad, is developing chemistry with receiver Kirk Merritt, who caught a number of passes on Thursday.
Stock up
For the second straight day, Wilson was the top playmaker on offense, delivering a long touchdown reception from Tagovailoa. He also had a handful of catches that produced first downs. If Wilson keeps performing like he has the past two days, we can end the debate about whether or not he’ll make it onto the 53-man roster, and start debating who he replaces as a starter.
Stock down
Michael Deiter is in contention to become the team’s starting center, but misplaced snaps like the one he delivered during an 11-on-11 period Thursday, which Tagovailoa had to jump to corral, and pressure up the gut like the would-be sack he allowed Raekwon Davis to record, certainly will open the door for Matt Skura and Cameron Tom to close ground on him.
Injury update
Xavien Howard, who is battling an ankle sprain, didn’t participate in any of the team portions of practice. …
Jakeem Grant was also held out of Thursday’s practice sessions for unknown reasons. …
Jesse Davis, who is projected as a starting offensive tackle or guard, began Thursday’s practice session, but sat out the second half of practice.
Quote of the day
“You aren’t doing it right if you’re not having fun,” said linebacker Shaquem Griffin, whose upbeat personality is infectious.