Rookies headline Miami Dolphins players to watch Thursday Night

Heading into their second preseason game this week against the Baltimore Ravens, the Miami Dolphins have seemingly been surrounded by a clout of injuries. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is out for the season while starting guard Ted Larsen will also be out for an extended period of time.

The Dolphins’ injury news seemed to have reached it’s peak when projected starter Raekwon McMillan suffered a season ending knee injury in the Dolphins’ first preseason game.

However, the injury bug was not yet done in Miami. Adding on to these woeful days has been the recent news that Kenyan Drake is entering the NFL’s concussion protocol while Tony Lippett will also be out for the season following a non-contact achilles injury in practice.

With the injuries to key players beginning to add up, it will be interesting to see how the Miami Dolphins proceed on Thursday night during their second preseason contest. While quarterback Jay Cutler is expected to make his first appearance in a Dolphins uniform, the rest of the roster may be in flux in terms of how long they play during this contest.

Thanks to this potential flux, it will once again be the rookie’s turn to shine for the Dolphins. Following some great performances last week, players like Charles Harris, Davon Godchaux, and Damore’ea Stringfellow will once again be one’s to watch this week for the team.

Backing up his performance from last week, Charles Harris will once again look to showcase his ability as both a pass rusher and run stopper this week as he looks to solidify a spot in the Dolphins normal first team rotation this season.

Joining him along the defensive line in an effort to showcase his skills will be Davon Godchaux. Earning first team reps during the last few weeks, Godchaux is legitimately pushing Jordan Phillips for the starting spot opposite Ndamukong Suh at the defensive tackle position.

With another good performance this week against the Ravens, Godchaux could begin to separate himself from Jordan Phillips and potentially put himself in the driver’s seat for a starting spot this season.

Another rookie that will look to build on his performance from last week will be wide receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow. Recording a 99-yard touchdown reception that would eventually prove to be the game-winning score against the Falcons, Stringfellow has a chance this week to backup his play and show the Dolphins coaching staff that he truly deserves a roster spot with the team.

Besides these three players, fellow rookies Cordrea Tankersley, De’Veon Smith, and Chase Allen will also be ones to watch this week thanks to the boost they should receive in playing time due to the team’s recent injuries.