MIAMI — Tua Tagovailoa continues to sit out the Miami Dolphins’ 11-on-11 work while his camp negotiates for a multiyear contract extension, but the team’s starting quarterback was dealing during the 7-on-7 periods he threw in during Tuesday’s practice.
Even without the participation of Odell Beckham Jr., who is seemingly rehabbing an undisclosed injury, and Tyreek Hill, who is allegedly on a load management program from Miami’s coaches, Tagovailoa carved up every defensive unit he faced in Miami red zone 7-on-7 and other situational periods.
Tagovailoa handled all but one 7-on-7 series, and all but three of his passes were completions. Two of those were drops from receiver Braylon Sanders and Matthew Sexton. The other was a pass to a slot receiver that cornerback Siran Neal broke up.
Plenty of Tagovailoa’s completions were on check downs, which De’Von Achane turned up to do significant damage on multiple plays. The second-year tailback was the top playmaker of the day because his speed made him a challenge in open space, especially in 7-on-7 work.
But Tagovailoa threw a pair of touchdown passes to tight end Tanner Conner, who spent last season on the Dolphins’ practice squad.
The best pass of practice came from Tagovailoa, and it was a 25-yard dime in the seam of the defense to rookie tight end Hayden Rucci.
Also notable was the 7-on-7 play where Jaylen Waddle roasted Cam Smith for a corner route he caught on a touchdown in the back of the end zone.
White also had a nice completion to Waddle on a back-shoulder throw that evaded Kendall Fuller’s coverage, converting a first down during 11-on-11s.