Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Bucs, Joint Practice, Day 2: What To Watch

TAMPA — The Dolphins were inconsistent and at times, overpowered physically in the first of two joint practices at the Bucs on Tuesday.

Here are some things we’re watching for on Wednesday:

Kenyan Drake. Drake limped off of the practice field early Tuesday with what appeared to be a lower body injury. Coach Brian Flores did not offer details about the injury but did not seem overly concerned. “Hopefully it’s not too serious,” Flores said. “Hopefully he’s back out there tomorrow.” Flores declined to give specifics about why Jonathan Woodard’s season is over, and when the club hopes newly-signed Robert Nkemdiche will be able to practice or play.

Josh Rosen. We know what Ryan Fitzpatrick is. He’s a serviceable veteran quarterback with a sharp wit and glorious beard. But each day we learn a little more about what Rosen is. The Dolphins seem on a path to starting Fitzpatrick in the season opener, before likely giving way to Rosen at some point. Flores really wants Rosen to earn first-team reps. And it seems Flores wants to gauge how Rosen responds to both private and public criticisms.

3. Michael Deiter and Shaq Calhoun. At times on Tuesday, the rookie starters at guard struggled against the likes of Ndamukong Suh, which is to be expected. “We’re trying to develop young players,” Flores said. In the first preseason game, the rookie guards had a few less-than-ideal moments. Rookie Isaiah Prince had a rough practice at tackle after some solid reps in the preseason opener. How he, Jesse Davis and Jordan Mills hold up in 1-on-1 pass rush drills will be telling. The line is of major concern right now.

Preston Williams. Preston Williams continues to dominate practice. He is so quick, so sharp, so fluid, so athletic. We know, we know. We should curb the enthusiasm, right? Well, when Xavien Howard, Kenny Stills and now even Flores are all putting their stamp of approval on this undrafted rookie, it’s time to take notice. Of note, as well — Williams is flourishing no matter who is under center. It’s time to start thinking not about if Williams will make the roster, but how much he’ll play. The fact that we still don’t know when Albert Wilson will return to play in a game can only work to his advantage.

5. Jonathan Ledbetter and Dewayne Hendrix. The undrafted rookie defensive linemen from Georgia and Pittsburgh made a positive impact in the first preseason game. Ledbetter may hold up against the run and Hendrix provides pass rush. It seems likely Nate Orchard, who has shown pressure skills, will be in the pass-rush rotation and Miami is hopeful fifth-rounder Andrew Van Ginkel will make an edge impact, too. We just haven’t seen much from Charles Harris. On Ledbetter and Hendrix, Flores said Tuesday: “They both need to play with more consistency. They both flash some good things. I think if you’re in this league, you have the potential to at least flash. What it boils down to is can you do those things consistently?”

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