If you ask, most teams will say the most important thing to take away from training camp is a healthy roster.
In that regard, it's been a tough start to the week for the Miami Dolphins.
Though they've luckily avoided major injuries thus far, many first and second team regulars have either missed practice time or left sessions early.
Adding themselves to that list on Monday were budding pass rusher Olivier Vernon, reserve tight ends Michael Egnew and Gator Hoskins and key backup lineman Nate Garner, who all left the day's practice early, according to the team's website.
Starting tight end Charles Clay, backup quarterback Pat Devlin and kicker Caleb Sturgis all sat out on Monday due to previous injuries. Key offensive starters Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Lamar Miller and backup quarterback Matt Moore participated, but were limited.
No injuries have yet to be reported as anything other than minor, fortunately. And it's important to remember that this is a common time of year for teams to ensure players are rested for the start of the season, sometimes doing so under the guise of injury rehab.
But with a new offense being installed, these preseason reps can be precious. In particular, Wallace and Miller have big expectations to fill in 2014. Theirs', and others' futures are at stake if they can't help Ryan Tannehill and the offense lead the team to the next level.
There's been no indication, yet, that any of the aforementioned players will miss Miami's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday.
In that regard, it's been a tough start to the week for the Miami Dolphins.
Though they've luckily avoided major injuries thus far, many first and second team regulars have either missed practice time or left sessions early.
Adding themselves to that list on Monday were budding pass rusher Olivier Vernon, reserve tight ends Michael Egnew and Gator Hoskins and key backup lineman Nate Garner, who all left the day's practice early, according to the team's website.
Starting tight end Charles Clay, backup quarterback Pat Devlin and kicker Caleb Sturgis all sat out on Monday due to previous injuries. Key offensive starters Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Lamar Miller and backup quarterback Matt Moore participated, but were limited.
No injuries have yet to be reported as anything other than minor, fortunately. And it's important to remember that this is a common time of year for teams to ensure players are rested for the start of the season, sometimes doing so under the guise of injury rehab.
But with a new offense being installed, these preseason reps can be precious. In particular, Wallace and Miller have big expectations to fill in 2014. Theirs', and others' futures are at stake if they can't help Ryan Tannehill and the offense lead the team to the next level.
There's been no indication, yet, that any of the aforementioned players will miss Miami's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday.
