The Miami Dolphins are set to engage in a joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Friday, August 11, 2023, ahead of their preseason opener at Soldier Field on August 13. This session will provide both teams with a valuable opportunity to assess their players and strategies against an opponent, particularly for the Dolphins as they aim to evaluate improvements in their offensive line.
With significant changes made to the offensive line during the offseason, the Dolphins are looking to determine how effective those upgrades have been. While the Dolphins’ front office has made key moves, including the acquisition of players such as James Daniels and rookie Jonah Savaiinaea, the depth of the offensive line remains a concern. The first team has shown promise in training camp, but the second unit has faced challenges, highlighting the need for health and performance consistency.
Injuries have further complicated matters for the Dolphins. Backup center Andrew Meyer, who has stood out in training camp, is sidelined for several weeks due to an injury. Additionally, backup guard Liam Eichenberg is expected to miss time, along with starting offensive tackle Austin Jackson, who the team hopes will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. The Dolphins have also dealt with other injury concerns, including starting center Aaron Brewer, who has recently returned after a soft tissue injury.
Despite these setbacks, the Dolphins’ starting offensive line is anticipated to face a formidable challenge against the Bears’ strong front seven during the joint practice. Both teams are expected to feature their starters heavily in this session, which may offer a clearer picture of the Dolphins’ progress ahead of the preseason game.
This practice comes after the Bears have bolstered their defensive line by signing veterans Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo while also drafting defensive tackle Shemar Turner, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury. The Bears’ defensive line, featuring players like Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings, presents a tough test for the Dolphins’ offensive line, especially with the addition of talented linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds.
The outcome of Friday’s practice is critical not only for the players’ individual performances but also for the overall morale of the Dolphins’ offensive unit. Backup players like Daniel Brunskill, who joined the team following Eichenberg’s placement on the PUP list, will have the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. Brunskill, along with teammates Ryan Hayes and Larry Borom, will be under scrutiny as they seek to secure their spots on the roster.
This joint practice represents a pivotal moment for the Dolphins, offering a chance to build confidence as they prepare for the upcoming season. While the results may not provide definitive answers, a strong performance could instill hope in the fan base, particularly as the team continues to grapple with the challenges of improving a historically troubled offensive line.
As the Dolphins take the field against the Bears, the stakes are high for both teams. The joint practice serves as an important milestone in the preseason journey, setting the tone for what lies ahead in the competitive NFL landscape.
