Miami’s preseason opener in Chicago ended 24-24, but the real story was depth. The Dolphins leaned on their backups on the offensive line and at cornerback, with the parade of drills exposing some leakage but also notable growth. The run game produced 101 yards on 26 tries, yet missing Jackson and Ingold left a short-yardage void near the goal line. Inside the trenches, Gay Jr. and Benito Jones supplied early disruption, underscoring a bright front-seven floor. At edge, Chubb, Phillips and Robinson generated pressure, while the Bears’ limited success in the red zone kept the tie in play.

Miami’s quarterback shuffle provided nuanced fantasy angles. Tagovailoa’s opening drive was clean and controlled, while Wilson guided two scoring drives before some inconsistency crept in. Rookie Ollie Gordon II flashed with 33 rushing yards, and Mattison added a 1-yard TD, giving the ground game a workable today-to-week-two arc. Eskridge and Ezukanma supplied returns and a few catches, and Henning showed upside in contested looks. Ewers’ debut was rough, but the backup CBs didn’t get carved up, lighting a path for several depth players to earn roster spots. Overall, depth across the roster looked viable for late-round fantasy considerations, especially on defense and at the RB/WR depth lines as teams trim rosters toward Week 1.

Miami opens its preseason slate at Chicago with plenty of roster intrigue. Six areas stand out: fringe special teams players who can carve a spot, the battle for the Dolphins fifth receiver, an unsettled cornerback group, offensive line depth questions, backup QB opportunities, and veteran pushback for a roster spot. Expect rookies and fringe players to get meaningful reps as starters rest.

Key special-team contenders include Dee Eskridge and Cameron Goode, with undrafted options like Monaray Baldwin generating curiosity. The crowd for the fifth receiver spot features Eskridge, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and Andrew Armstrong, plus others in camp. The cornerback room remains fluid after offseason changes, with Ethan Bonner and undrafted BJ Adams in the mix while Isaiah Johnson stays in the conversation.

On the line, Germain Ifedi, Daniel Brunskill, Josh Priebe, Addison West and swing-tackle contenders will get opportunities to prove depth behind the starters. Quinn Ewers will get reps behind Tua Tagovailoa, who may or may not see action, while the backup plan at quarterback remains unsettled. Veterans Cam Smith, Channing Tindall, Tanner Conner and Erik Ezukanma will be aiming to reaffirm their spots in a game where jobs are on the line.

The final installment of the Miami Dolphins mailbag addresses various fan questions ahead of their game against the San Francisco 49ers. Key topics include the team's playoff hopes, coaching strategies, and the struggling run game.

Fans express concerns about the Dolphins' performance and potential changes in the coaching staff, especially if they finish the season poorly. There's also speculation on player injuries and the future of the team's offensive philosophy.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is expected to play against the San Francisco 49ers despite being listed as questionable due to a wrist injury and a personal matter. Hill's participation is crucial as the Dolphins face elimination from playoff contention.

With Jaylen Waddle and Dee Eskridge likely out, Hill will lead a depleted receiving corps. The Dolphins must win their remaining games and rely on other teams to lose to keep their playoff hopes alive.

In the latest mailbag, fans discuss the Miami Dolphins' roster decisions, particularly the underwhelming performance of Erik Ezukanma, who may not be living up to expectations as a fourth-round pick. Concerns about the fullback position and the impact of Odell Beckham Jr. are also raised, with insights into his locker room presence.

Additionally, questions about player roles and tackling issues highlight the challenges the Dolphins face as they navigate the season. The salary cap constraints are acknowledged as a reason for not retaining certain players, emphasizing the difficulty in balancing contracts for key players.