The Miami Dolphins have performed 14 video games, and rookie huge receiver Erik Ezukanma has been a wholesome inactive for each one in all them.
Even in conditions the place a receiver is injured, apply squad choices have been elevated to play over Ezukanma, who was chosen within the fourth spherical of the 2022 draft.
Most of it has to do with the precise receiver place Ezukanma has been enjoying. He is down the depth chart on the Z place, in line with huge receivers coach Wes Welker. Star receiver Tyreek Hill is the starter there and has been wholesome going into each recreation.
In current contests, slot receiver River Cracraft has been out with a calf harm. That has triggered Miami to deliver up both Freddie Swain, who was later poached by the Denver Broncos, or Braylon Sanders from the apply squad. The similar goes for the Oct. 30 recreation on the Detroit Lions, when Sanders, an undrafted rookie, made his NFL debut over Ezukanma.
Welker spoke to the difficulties rookie wideouts face transitioning from the faculty recreation to the skilled ranks.
“You’re looking at a sideline your whole career, looking at a picture of Bugs Bunny, and that’s your play,” Welker stated. “To hear a play call in the NFL, we have some very long play calls.”
Welker, who got here from the identical faculty as Ezukanma at Texas Tech, pointed to the quite a few issues rookie receivers have to be taught relating to alignment and opposing coverages.
“There’s so much to learn. There’s a process to it,” stated Welker, who even highlighted how he had zero receptions his rookie season earlier than incomes 5 Pro Bowls in his enjoying profession. “That’s why you see elite receivers become very good receivers in their second, third, fourth years, just getting all those reps understanding that the game’s different at the NFL level.”
Welker nonetheless likes Ezukanma’s energy, measurement, fingers and velocity and stated he has made strides studying the playbook.
“There was a time there where it was hard to even get him to line up,” he stated. “Now, we’re lining up right. There’s a progression to it, and everybody’s a little bit different. And Erik will get there, and I look forward, whether it’s this year or this offseason, to really work with him and really dialing it in.”
Welker additionally famous that the majority of Ezukanma’s apply reps include the scout crew, whereas those that will likely be up for recreation day are getting apply reps. His scout crew reps are serving to him fine-tune his method.
Tindall’s progress
The solely rookie drafted larger than Ezukanma within the Dolphins’ previous draft class, linebacker Channing Tindall, hasn’t seen defensive snaps in 5 consecutive video games. He had beforehand performed 5 within the Nov. 6 win on the Chicago Bears and two apiece in losses to the Vikings and Jets.
“We just feel like the guys that we’re playing give us the best chance at this point,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Josh Boyer stated. “He has veteran players in front of him that know and understand the defense a little bit better than he does. We’re continuing to work with Channing as we go.”
Boyer nonetheless likes varied attributes of Tindall’s recreation.
“He runs well. He’s a physical player. He tackles well,” he stated of the third-round draft selection. “Those are things that, obviously, we like that he does. We’re encouraged by that.”
Tindall has additionally been a constant contributor on particular groups.
Howard shocked
Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard was shocked to be taught he made his fourth Pro Bowl crew, he stated Thursday following the Wednesday evening announcement.
“It’s an honor, though, to be a Pro Bowler, being consistent with it,” Howard stated, “but I feel like there’s a bunch of plays I’ve left out there on the field.”
Howard stated he feels his season has simply gone “OK” as he has only one interception, two fumble recoveries, one for a landing, and eight move deflections whereas giving up plenty of touchdowns and massive performs within the passing recreation.
“I definitely have to do better and play better for my expectations I have for myself,” Howard stated.
Injury report
Dolphins security Jevon Holland (neck) returned to apply Thursday after lacking Wednesday drills, as did operating again Raheem Mostert and outdoors linebacker Melvin Ingram, who every obtained veteran relaxation Wednesday. Holland and Mostert have been nonetheless restricted Thursday on the crew’s harm report
Left sort out Terron Armstead (toe/pectoral/knee) and huge receiver River Cracraft (calf) missed a second straight day, and sort out Eric Fisher didn’t take part in Thursday drills after he confirmed up on the harm report for a calf harm Wednesday.
Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb popped up on the harm report Thursday for restricted participation attributable to a knee ailment, however he spoke to reporters at his locker following drills and appeared nice.
Running again Jeff Wilson Jr. (hip) and outdoors linebacker Jaelan Phillips (toe) have been restricted once more at Thursday’s apply, seen understanding on the aspect. Wilson is trying to work his approach again into the lineup after lacking final Saturday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
“Still taking it a day at a time,” Wilson stated. “I’m going to take every day, attack it and see where we’re at.”
Also restricted Thursday for a second straight apply have been: defensive again Keion Crossen (knee), linebacker Duke Riley (ribs), security Eric Rowe (hamstring) and tight finish Durham Smythe (quadriceps).
For the Packers, left sort out David Bakhtiari (knee/stomach) missed a second straight day of drills. Running again Aaron Jones (knee) was amongst gamers restricted at Thursday’s session in Green Bay.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com