Dolphins’ offensive stars shine in training camp practice No. 6. News, highlights and notes

In arguably the best offensive practice to date, the Dolphins’ headliners — quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle — shined. Throughout the first week-plus of training camp, the speedy wideouts were a bit limited by a Vic Fangio-led defense known for stymieing big plays. But the two led the session in receptions and targets.

Their involvement was best on display during a bevy of third-down situations in 11-on-11 drills, as they separated from defenders and got open for several conversions. On one third-and-4 play, quarterback Mike White found Hill in between two defenders on a out-breaking route. On a third-and-6 play, Tagovailoa connected with Hill on another out-breaking route. And on a third-and-3, Waddle got separation on a hitch route and Tagovailoa quickly found him. Tagovailoa later threw a short pass to running back Salvon Ahmed over the middle of the field on third-and-9 to again convert the chains.

Quarterback Skylar Thompson then found Hill on an in-breaking route on third-and-9 to give the offense a new set of downs. Hill beat rookie cornerback Cam Smith on the play.

In a later portion of 11-on-11 drills that were moved inside because of inclement weather, Tagovailoa completed a pair of passes to Waddle for gains of about 15.

Some other notable action from the Dolphins’ sixth training camp practice:

▪ The play of the day came on the final snap of practice. Miami’s offense was backed up to their own 5-yard line but the left side of the offensive line opened a big lane for undrafted rookie running back Chris Brooks, who delivered an impressive cut and sprinted into the second level of the defense. Brooks dashed all the way to the end zone — a 95-yard run — and the play got spirited cheers from the entire offensive sideline, including Tagovailoa, who high-stepped about 50 yards down the sideline to celebrate with Brooks.

▪ The Dolphins opened 11-on-11s with White finding Hill on a slant route that would have went for an intermediate gain. Tagovailoa then found Hill toward the sideline for another intermediate completion. Tagovailoa later threw one of his best passes of camp, ripping a pass to Waddle in between multiple defenders in the middle of the field for about 20 yards.

▪ On third-and-11 during 11-on-11s, wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. beat Smith on an in-breaking route and caught a pass from Thompson to pick up a first down.

▪ Wide receiver Braxton Berrios put a slick hesitation move on defensive back Elijah Campbell and got separation over the middle of the field to catch a pass from Thompson.

▪ Tagovailoa found fullback Alec Ingold streaking downfield after what appeared to be a coverage bust. Safety DeShon Elliott was driving on Ingold but pulled up to prevent a collision with his teammate.

▪ Undrafted rookie Aubrey Miller showed good awareness and sideline speed to track down a screen pass to wide receiver Erik Ezukanma.

▪ Running back Myles Gaskin had an impressive cutback on an inside run to avoid linebacker Van Ginkel in pursuit.

▪ In goal-to-go situations, undrafted rookie defensive tackle Brandon Pili tagged off a running back for a short gain.

▪ One-on-one drills between wide receivers and defensive backs, started with Tagovailoa connected with Hill, who beat cornerback Xavien Howard on a slant.

▪ Safety Jevon Holland was a step behind Berrios on a go route but reached his right hand out to deflect a pass and prevent a long reception.

▪ Cornerback Tino Ellis broke up a pass to wide receiver Braylon Sanders, who was running a go route.

▪ Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene had a good rep denying wide receiver Braylon Sanders on a comeback route.

Attendance

▪ Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. returned to practice after missing the last two sessions with an undisclosed injury. Wilson, who wore a black compression sleeve on his right leg, was not seen participating in team drills.

▪ Defensive backs Brandon Jones and Trill Williams remained in red, non-contact jerseys, but participated in team drills for the first time all camp.

▪ Fellow defensive backs Jalen Ramsey (meniscus surgery), Keion Crossen (undisclosed) and Bennett Williams (undiscloed) did not practice Tuesday. Ramsey watched practice from the sideline on crutches. So did Williams, who had a black compression sleeve on his left leg.

▪ One day after being activated from the physically unable to perform list, left tackle Terron Armstead was in uniform and pads but did not participate in team drills.

▪ Cornerback Nik Needham and tight end Tanner Conner remain on the physically unable to perform list. Needham watched practice from the sideline, as he’s done during camp.

Who’s hot

Dolphins’ situational offense. From third-down execution to Brooks’ long run backed close to the end zone, Miami’s offense had its way against the defense.

Who’s not

Dolphins’ defense. After several practices of overwhelming the offense, the balance of power shifted from the defense on Tuesday. It’s to be expected amid the back-and-forth of the summer but notable after multiple standout sessions for the unit.

Quote of the day

“I’ll whoop Tua” — Armstead on which is superior, his boxing training or Tagovailoa’s jiu-jitsu