The Miami Dolphins returned to practice on August 23, 2025, at the Baptist Health Training Complex. This session comes just ahead of their joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars and their preseason finale. A notable highlight was the appearance of tight end Darren Waller in uniform for the first time this summer after being acquired from the New York Giants. While Waller focused primarily on stretching during this session, his presence marked a significant step in his transition back to the field.
Several key players, including Tyreek Hill and rookie first-round pick Kenneth Grant, continued to miss practice. They were joined by offensive linemen Austin Jackson, Andrew Meyer, and Addison West, as well as defensive backs Dante Trader Jr., Kendall Sheffield, and Ethan Bonner. Notably, safety Ashtyn Davis was observed without a walking boot, indicating potential progress in his recovery. Jackson was seen on a stationary bike while still wearing a walking boot on his left leg.
In terms of practice dynamics, fullback Alec Ingold and linebacker Mohamed Kamara returned to regular jerseys after wearing red on the previous day. Veteran edge defender Matthew Judon participated in his first practice after officially signing with the team earlier in the week.
Practice Highlights and Player Performances
The practice featured a range of notable plays. On the first snap of the 11-on-11 drills, cornerback Jack Jones nearly intercepted a deep pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa intended for receiver Jaylen Waddle. Judon showcased his defensive skills by effectively covering a pass that Tagovailoa checked down to Ollie Gordon.
Despite some struggles, rookie quarterback Zach Wilson managed to connect on a deep pass to Dee Eskridge over the middle. However, Wilson also faced pressure, leading to a couple of sacks, including one from Judon during a two-minute drill. The defense was active throughout, with players like Jaelan Phillips and Matthew Butler contributing to the pressure on the quarterbacks.
During the session, Wilson experienced a mix of successes and setbacks. He completed a quick pass to Erik Ezukanma but also faced a tackle for loss by Elijah Campbell on a run by Gordon. The offense struggled to gain momentum, culminating in multiple incompletions during the first-team’s attempts.
The defense’s standout moments included an interception in the end zone on a pass from Tagovailoa intended for Westbrook-Ikhine, which appeared to be tipped by Cam Smith into the hands of Jack Jones Jr. Additionally, Ben Stille made a significant play by batting down a pass from Wilson.
As the Dolphins prepare for their joint practice with the Jaguars, the team looks to address the ongoing injury concerns while integrating key players like Waller into their offensive strategy. The upcoming matchups will be crucial for the Dolphins as they aim to solidify their roster before the regular season begins.
