{"id":366411,"date":"2026-08-08T19:42:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-08T19:42:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/366411\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T19:42:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T19:42:10","slug":"is-jacob-rodriguez-pushing-for-a-starting-linebacker-role","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/366411\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Jacob Rodriguez pushing for a starting linebacker role?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The door has seemingly been opened for Jacob Rodriguez to compete for a starting role in the Miami Dolphins defense.<\/p>\n

Rookie inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is seemingly closing the gap on Tyrel Dodson when it comes to determining who starts next to Jordyn Brooks this season.<\/p>\n

Rodriguez was on the field with Brooks, the NFL\u2019s leading tackler from last season, for numerous reps of Miami\u2019s 11-on-11 work during Saturday\u2019s Hard Rock Stadium practice, which featured live tackling.<\/p>\n

The former Texas Tech standout, who won just about every major college award given to a defender because of his dominant 2025 season, was splitting playing time with Dodson during Saturday\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

Dodson served as Miami\u2019s green dot player last season, making all the defensive calls, and contributed 125 tackles, five sacks, one interception and forced one fumble last season.<\/p>\n

The Dolphins are experimenting with a lot of different versions of defense, and it appears Rodriguez, the Dolphins\u2019 2026 second-round pick, is being tested on what, and how much he can handle.<\/p>\n

Top Plays\/Performers<\/p>\n

The Dolphins offense had a quiet red zone period, which lacked touchdowns scored. Quarterback Malik Willis scrambled for a 2-yard touchdown, but edge rusher Chop Robinson could\u2019ve had a sack on the play considering he touched Willis on his waist after shedding a block from Austin Jackson\u2026.. WR Terrace Marshall Jr. beat CB Alex Austin on a go-route for 45-yard from Quinn Ewers, who has a respectable day of practice, rebounding from a week of struggles. Ewers also connected on a touchdown catch to A.J. Henning\u2026..Edge Rodney McGraw had a pressure that led to CB Ethan Robinson\u2019s interception\u2026. Rookie receiver Donovan McCulley had a dynamic deep reception on a Miller pass that would have produced a 45-yard gain….Defensive lineman Zeek Biggers had a productive day of stops during Miami\u2019s live tackling period.<\/p>\n

Stock Up<\/p>\n

Tahj Washington, a former USC standout the Dolphins selected in the seventh round of the 2024 draft, has had a quiet training camp until Saturday, when he caught a 50-yard bomb from Miller, and had a few other respectable catches. Washington, who suffered a soft tissue injury during Miami\u2019s OTA period, is seemingly competing with Kevin Coleman Jr., A.J. Henning and Jalen Reagor for a backup role as a slot receiver. He\u2019ll need to impress during the exhibition season to extend his stay in South Florida.<\/p>\n

Stock Down<\/p>\n

Ollie Gordon, who had a disappointing 2.8 yards per carry average as a rookie, produced a couple lackluster runs during Saturday\u2019s live periods, which featured some tackling. The second-year tailback, who typically runs with power, seemed extremely hesitant when his carries arrived. At this point it\u2019s a struggle to justify why Gordon should be playing ahead of Carlos Washington Jr., who seemingly had his role elevated during Saturday\u2019s practice.<\/p>\n

Injury Report<\/p>\n

Cornerback JuJu Brents missed his first practice for unspecified reasons, as did edge rusher Clelin Ferrell, the former first-round pick the Dolphins signed the week training camp opened.<\/p>\n

Austin Jackson, the Dolphins\u2019 starting right tackle, participated in his second straight practice.<\/p>\n

Tight end Greg Dulcich participated in his third practice wearing a red [non-contact] jersey, and with his fingers on his right hand bandaged up. Dulcich has run routes the past two days, but the balls aren\u2019t thrown to him, even during individual drills.<\/p>\n

Safeties Dante Trader Jr. and Lonnie Johnson, receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer, and tight end Ben Sims each sat out Saturday\u2019s practice because of undisclosed injuries.<\/p>\n

What They Said<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you throw a punch, you get kicked out of practice, and nobody wants to get kicked out of practice,\u201d Dolphins center Aaron Brewer said when asked why there hasn\u2019t been a training camp fight after nine practices.<\/p>\n


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