MIAMI GARDENS — In the Miami Dolphins’ first of three games to finish out the season while eliminated from playoff contention, rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers made his first start and undrafted rookie wide receiver Theo Wease saw his first NFL regular-season action last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Could more firsts be on the way, particularly with young players on the Dolphins’ practice squad, ahead of the Dolphins’ home finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday?
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there was another or two,” coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday. “There are several guys that are up for consideration, but I’m really looking forward to this practice.”
Tight ends coach and assistant head coach Jon Embree spoke to the team Tuesday, according to McDaniel, about taking advantage of opportunities and how each practice is truly special with how few are left.
“These games, as you end the season, are the lasting impression you have,” McDaniel said. “There’s some battles on the practice field, and that means we have a competitive practice squad that we have some extra roster possibilities if they choose to seize the opportunity.”
Among players in consideration is edge defender Derrick McLendon, who had a strong preseason and is yet to be elevated from the practice squad to play in a game.
“Absolutely,” McDaniel said. “I think it’s his relentless commitment to the task at hand. He’s always developing his game. He got a lot more comfortable with his hand in the ground this past offseason. We saw some productivity, relentless motor. He doesn’t waste a day on this team. He’s one of the guys that we relied upon to bring the juice. He always delivers. So, yes, he would be in that pocket of consideration, for sure.”
McLendon spent his first NFL season on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. He’s been stashed on Miami’s practice squad all season after he fell short of making the 53-man roster despite a strong showing in training camp and the preseason.
The Dolphins have reserve interior offensive lineman Andrew Meyer, who made the Dolphins’ active roster as an undrafted rookie in 2024 but didn’t play in a game while he was active for three in the regular season. He was on injured reserve to start the season from a preseason triceps ailment and has since been back practicing while still not activated off IR.
“Andrew Meyer, I think, has a promising — he put together some impressive things in the preseason and he’s deserving of playing in the National Football League,” McDaniel said. “If the opportunity presents itself by way of injury, I’m going to be confident in his play based upon just coaching him over time.
McDaniel said he views Meyer as a center primarily but deemed him an overall “effective blocker” who can grow into more versatility.
On Miami’s active roster is second-year wide receiver Tahj Washington, who lost a fumble on his first career reception Oct. 30 against the Ravens and hasn’t played in a game since.
“I don’t really have doghouses,” McDaniel said. “There’s ebbs and flows early in a young player’s career. My belief has never wavered in him. His opportunity came early in a big-time moment. A lot of times a player gets better from that.
“I think Tahj has responded very well behind the scenes and, as a result, he’ll get his opportunity, if not this game, probably the next, because he’s been toeing the line to be active.”
Practice report
At Dolphins practice Wednesday, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf), wide receiver Dee Eskridge (toe) and center Aaron Brewer were not seen participating. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson was seen going into the facility.
Kicker Jason Sanders (right hip), who was designated for return from IR last week but still not activated, was not seen at Wednesday drills.