Michael Thomas working at starting free safety, nickel cornerback

Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas spent the first day of training camp on Friday working as the starting free safety next to 2016 Pro Bowl selection Reshad Jones, according to the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero. Thomas, who spent most of last season starting in the same spot when Louis Delmas was injured, will likely compete throughout training camp with Isa Abdul-Quddus, who Miami signed as a free agent this year, with Thomas appearing to have the early lead.

Thomas also worked as the team’s nickel cornerback, sliding down to cover the slot receiver with Abdul-Quddus then taking the field to replace Thomas at safety. The role is similar to the one former Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson played from 2011 to 2014.

Thomas, who recorded 71 tackles last season, has said he wants to earn playing time as the team’s nickel cornerback. The current front-runner for that role, Bobby McCain, was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Friday, a list typically used for players who come into training camp dealing with some sort of injury or who did not pass the conditioning test. McCain is thought to only need a few days before he is removed from the PUP list, but that could be time enough for Thomas to show that he can handle the nickel role.

The Dolphins return to the practice field on Saturday for their second workout of training camp. The practice, which starts at 8:35am ET, will be open to the public. You can get free tickets for the practice at Dolphins.com/TrainingCamp.