What to Know
- Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick will both see time at quarterback in this one.
The Miami Dolphins will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their second game of the preseason on Friday.
Miami is dealing with a number of injuries as the preseason schedule hits the midway point. Due to the injuries, head coach Brian Flores should get extra chances to look at some of the players looking to crack the roster. The final score of this game will not matter, but the performances on the field will mean plenty.
Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick will both see time behind center in this one. Fitzpatrick is expected to be Miami's starter when the regular season begins, but Rosen still has time to potentially change that. Rosen spent some time as the first-team quarterback in practice this week and could work with that unit in this game. Fitzpatrick is expected to start the game and could be behind center for the entire first quarter.
Miami's head coach was critical of Rosen this past week, following some success in the first preseason game. Rosen is still only 22 years old and is considered a project, after a tough year in Arizona. For Rosen to overtake Fitzpatrick on the depth chart, he will need to show he can be a confident and stable leader on the field.
"He has to do a better job getting guys in and out of the huddle, his communication, body language. There were some plays there he didn't like and we just have to move onto the next play," said Flores.
With Kenyan Drake expected to miss the rest of the preseason due to a foot injury, Kalen Ballage will step in as the starter. Drake's injury should open the door to increased playing time for Mark Walton, Patrick Laird and Myles Gaskin in the preseason. Those three players are vying for spots on Miami's 53-man roster and will need to take advantage of all of their opportunities.
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Laremy Tunsil did not play in last week's preseason opener and also missed time during practice this week. It is unknown if the lineman will be on the field for this game. Zach Sterup and Jordan Mills are two players to watch, if Tunsil does not participate in this game. Miami does not have Tunsil listed on the team's injury report.
Preston Williams opened plenty of eyes in last week's game against the Atlanta Falcons and he should have more chances on Friday. Williams caught four passes for 97 yards a week ago and is trying to win a spot on the roster. With DeVante Parker, Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant all out of action, Williams could be Miami's main target in this game.
Friday's kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
