Miami Dolphins Camp (Aug 1): While QB Brett Gabbert returns, the defense shines. Jordyn Brooks & Minkah Fitzpatrick lead a dominant unit in 2024 preseason prep.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
While the front office made headlines Friday by bringing back a familiar face at quarterback, the real noise was made on the practice field. The Miami Dolphins re-signed quarterback Brett Gabbert to bolster their preseason depth, but the story of the day was a ferocious defensive unit, led by standouts Jordyn Brooks and Minkah Fitzpatrick, that has the coaching staff buzzing.
We're being cautious with a few guys, but overall, we're in a good spot heading into the preseason.
The Dolphins officially re-signed quarterback Brett Gabbert on Friday, a strategic move designed to add a capable arm for the grind of training camp and the upcoming preseason games. This allows the team to protect franchise QB Tua Tagovailoa and manage the workload for their other backups. The signing, along with a corresponding transaction involving cornerback Kader Kohou, signals that General Manager Chris Grier is actively fine-tuning the 90-man roster. While Gabbert isn't expected to challenge for a starting role, his presence is crucial for executing practice scripts and preseason drives, ensuring the starters stay fresh and healthy.
If you're looking for fireworks, the defensive side of the ball delivered during Friday's practice. New linebacker Jordyn Brooks was a force, racking up several tackles in full-team drills and looking every bit the sideline-to-sideline presence Miami hoped for. Not to be outdone, All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was in mid-season form, batting down a key pass during an 11-on-11 period. The intensity was palpable, with both veterans setting the tone for a unit that appears fast, physical, and ready to compete.
Head Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the day's narrative when he spoke to the media after practice. He praised the defensive unit's energy, specifically singling out the performances of Brooks and Fitzpatrick. McDaniel addressed the Gabbert signing, explaining it as a necessary depth move for the preseason. He also offered a positive, if cautious, update on the team's overall health, stating, 'We're being cautious with a few guys, but overall, we're in a good spot heading into the preseason.' His comments paint a picture of a team that is executing its plan, both in roster management and on-field preparation.
With the first preseason game just around the corner, the Dolphins are in full evaluation mode. The return of Brett Gabbert solidifies the quarterback room for the exhibition slate, but the real story is the palpable energy coming from the defensive side of the ball. Keep an eye on how the coaching staff manages quarterback reps in the coming weeks and whether the defensive unit can carry this training camp momentum into live-game action.
