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.