2013 Dolphins Training Camp: Practice 15 Recap

The Miami Dolphins held training camp practice 15 yesterday. Here is a look at what happened during the workout.

By Kevin Nogle@KevinNogle Aug 13, 2013, 7:00am EDT

The 14th practice of the Miami Dolphins' 2013 training camp was yesterday. Here's a look at what happened throughout the day.

Marcus Thigpen appears to be fully a receiver now. He spent the entire practice working with the receivers, not taking a single rep at running back. It's not really a surprise, nor does it mean the team will not use him as a running back, but it is interesting to note that he is spending entire practices with the receiving group.

Tight end Dustin Keller had a good practice, seeming to catch everything yesterday. He had one highlight grab along the sidelines, tip toeing to stay in bounds.

Our defensive players like to be on the attacking end of things, and we're good at it.-Kevin Coyle on the aggressiveness of the defense

Ryan Tannehill had a good day on Monday, throwing the ball well and placing it exactly where it needed to be. He came out of the practice without an interception, and connected in 7-on-7s with Mike Wallace for a 50 yard gain. Matt Moore did throw a pick in the endzone, with linebacker Dannell Ellerbe pulling it in.

Moore came back with the drive of practice, throwing three passes to go 55 yards down the field. He started with a 39-yarder to Kenny Stafford, followed by a 14-yard completion to Michael Egnew, and finally a two yard touchdown to Mike Gillislee.

Daniel Thomas, who has not been ruled out of the starting running back spot despite all appearances that it is Lamar Miller's slot, had a strong practice. He stepped up in pass protection, an area he excels compared to the other running backs, as well as had some hard runs inside. He also showed his effectiveness in the passing game. Thomas has also been working hard on special teams, doing anything the coaches ask of him. His biggest issues have been his fumbling and injuries, but this have not been issues as of late.

Fellow running backs Mike Gillislee and Jonas Gray could be asked to do more on special teams, if they are to make the roster. Gillislee was put into the Jaguars game as a kick returner, but never got a chance to do anything thanks to long kicks. Both could also have positions on coverage packages. Watch for both of them to get special teams time against the Texans.

Jorvoskie Lane is an interesting player to watch. The Dolphins seem to have moved away from him, using Evan Rodriguez as the starting fullback yesterday, as well as rotating Charles Clay into the position. However, Lane is still holding down the job as the lead blocker in the kick return team. That special teams slot could be what keeps Lane on the roster, but you would think he would continue to get reps as the top fullback then as well.

Nate Garner spent his second day as the starting right guard. Overall, the offensive line protected pretty well during practice. Of course, it was one workout, so the real test will come against the Houston Texans' defensive line this week, but it was at least a positive step forward.

Jamar Taylor practice for the second straight day, continuing to try to get back into the routine after missing nearly all of training cap rehabbing from sports hernia surgery. His draft status as a second round pick will protect him for a while, but he is well behind the other cornerbacks at this point.

Kicking battle: Dan Carpenter's day to kick Monday. He was 2-for-3 on the day, missing a 54 yard attempt. Caleb Sturgis appears to be ahead in the competition at this point, though Carpenter is trying his best to stave off the rookie.

A.J. Francis, who stayed after practice Sunday to conduct a workout as an offensive lineman was back with the defensive linemen on Monday.

Randy Starks was seen for the first time in a week Monday, when he walked from the team facility into the practice bubble for rehab work. He had a compression sleeve on his right knee, and no word has come from the team on when the franchise tagged Pro Bowl defensive end could be coming back.

Dion Jordan dressed for practice, but was then told to go see the trainers. The team appears to be shutting him down, at least temporarily, to protect his shoulder. At this point, it seems more precautionary than a reaction to any new injury, but it will have to be watched.

"I like what he is doing this camp. I'm very happy with the way he is practicing. I like what he is doing. I was watching him just today in special (teams). He's going about his business in a very professional manner. He's working up special teams. I see him very, very serious about that. He's running the ball hard when he's had opportunities in the game. He's been doing a good job in pass protection. I like the camp that he's having." - Joe Philbin on Daniel Thomas

"Generally speaking you have either five or six guys on the active roster, when you get into the final 53. I've been with clubs that have had both, five at times, it depends on the cornerback position and it also depends on the safeties that are developing. Do you have safeties that can swing and do some of the jobs that a cornerback might be able to do." - Kevin Coyle on the how man cornerbacks can be on the 53-man roster

"We're an aggressive team. We have got a lot of pressures in our package, we've got very athletic guys that are fast, that can move, that can run. Our defensive players like to be on the attacking end of things, and we're good at it. I feel good about it, we can be very disruptive in the run game and create problems with pass protection." - Kevin Coyle on being an aggressive defense

"There was one where we came out and started a drive with a play. I ended up moving around and hitting Gibson over the middle, but going back and looking at it I could have stayed in the pocked a little bit, just pushed up and kept my eyes downfield. Mike ended up winning on the outside. Other than that, that's kind of the way the game fell." - Ryan Tannehill on if he could have made throws to Mike Wallace against the Jaguars

"He stretches the field down the middle, and that's exciting for me. I have a big target who can use his body, go up and separate from linebackers and safeties and catches the ball well. That's what you want from a guy moving downfield as a tight end." - Ryan Tannehill on what it means to have Dustin Keller

Wednesday, August 14, 8:00am ET - Doctors Hospital Training Facility, Nova Southeastern University, Davie

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