The Miami Dolphins are the youngest team in the NFL this season, kick-starting their franchise rebuild with an influx of rookies and second-year players. The team hopes to move from a consistently mediocre franchise that fights just to make a cameo in the playoffs to one that consistently battles for deep postseason runs. While the goal is lofty, the Dolphins have had to tear down their roster for 2026, taking a massive immediate salary cap hit to get the future cap under control.
Development is the Dolphins’ name for the game, as they hope their young roster can learn and grow quickly. South Florida Sun Sentinel columnist Chris Perkins took a look at how Miami is hoping to speed along that learning curve with a weekly addition to the practice schedule:
Every Thursday, after the Miami Dolphins conclude their regular practice, many of the second- and third-team players gather for a brief 7-on-7 session. It sounds minimal, but coaches and players say the extra work is helpful because it better acquaints backups on Miami’s offense and defense, offers more hands-on coaching, and familiarizes them with playing alongside the starters…
“It’s been really important to me,” said [head coach Jeff] Hafley, who detests 7-on-7 sessions during training camp. “I think regardless of where you’re at, I think we’re still in a developmental league.”
The 7 on 7s are only seven or eight plays, but the repetitions and additional coaching add up over the course of a season for Dolphins backup players, most of whom spend midweek practices playing on the scout team.
And here’s the big thing: in the 7-on-7 sessions, backups run the Dolphins offense and defense, they’d run if they’re suddenly inserted into a game. When they play on the scout team during midweek practices, they run the opponent’s offense and defense.
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Dolphins speeding learning curve with midweek 7-on-7 sessions – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Every Thursday, after the Miami Dolphins conclude their regular practice, many of the second- and third-team players gather for a brief 7-on-7 session.
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Dolphins-Jets preview
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Dolphins-Jets predictions: Will Miami finally get its first win? – Kevin Lerner, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Dolphins (0-5) at Jets (2-4): Sunday, 1, CBS
Five things to watch for in Sunday’s Dolphins-Jets game – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The winless Miami Dolphins (0-5) have a good chance to get their first victory of the season this week against the New York Jets (2-4).
Dolphins development
Dolphins need Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell to turn potential into production – Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post
Everyone remembers the circus-like, acrobatic, one-handed reception Miami Dolphins rookie receiver Caleb Douglas made in a preseason game against the Washington Commanders.
Dolphins emphasizing forced turnovers, like Chris Johnson’s forced fumble: ‘It was beautiful’ – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The last time the Miami Dolphins played, rookie cornerback Chris Johnson made a play that was a long time in the works.
Four Suggestions for the Dolphins Coming Out of the Bye – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins will return to action as one of the only two winless teams in the NFL
Malik Washington
Why Malik Washington has become the Dolphins’ most reliable pass catcher – C. Isaiah Smalls, Miami Herald
The Miami Dolphins’ passing attack has struggled in 2026.
Dolphins injuries
Dolphins’ Kyle Louis returns to practice; coach Jeff Hafley discusses kicker change – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The Miami Dolphins had rookie safety Kyle Louis return to practice Wednesday, opening up his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve.
Dolphins WR Caleb Douglas practiced Wednesday. Will he play Sunday? – C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
The Miami Dolphins’ passing offense needs help.
Dolphins QB Malik Willis practices fully despite thumb injury – Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis was treated for an injured thumb on his right, throwing hand, but fully practiced four days before a Week 7 game at the New York Jets.
There’s Good News on the Injury Front for the Dolphins … With a Big But – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins had two of their rookie draft picks back for a full practice
2027 NFL Draft
The draft QBs and six things that have become clear offensively for Dolphins – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Six developments that are becoming very clear about the Dolphins’ offensive personnel as they exit their bye week:
Examining the Mestemaker-to-Miami Draft Opinion Surge – Jake Gibson, Miami Dolphins on SI
If the Miami Dolphins were to go with a quarterback in the 2027 Draft, the unanimous selection at the position isn’t so unanimous anymore.
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Kyle Louis returns to Miami Dolphins practice – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Dolphins rookie defender has his 21-day practice window opened.
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