Miami Dolphins begin joint practice with Panthers

The Miami Dolphins are on the field and the Carolina Panthers are staring back at them. The first of two planned joint practices has started outside Charlotte ahead of this weeks pre-season game between the two clubs.

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You can follow along on Twitter with the practice action. Thus far it appears as though Ryan Tannehill is hitting everything. He has completed his first several passes including a 20 yard throw to tight-end Jordan Cameron. Billy Turner appears to be holding his own at guard and on defense middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard is starting in place of Koa Misi who is missing the practice banged up.

The kicking game was on display as practice began and rookie Andrew Franks made a 44 yard field goal and then missed a 46 yard attempt. Franks has a big leg but is far too inconsistent to make the roster. The Dolphins seriously should consider releasing him and giving all the reps to Sturgis in the hopes of him getting better or bring in another free agent veteran to push him. This is going to be a problem area for the Dolphins this season and sadly it’s one they can fix pretty cheaply.

Jay Ajayi is getting a lot of early work which is needed. LaMichael James is a little stagnant. After a quick fast start to camp, James hasn’t shown much the last few days. If he can’t turn it around, it will allow the Dolphins to keep three running backs and use the roster spot elsewhere. Important decisions coming in a few weeks at the position.

DeVante Parker is not practicing but he was taken off the PUP list today. This will allow Parker to start working in team drills but he isn’t any closer to being on the field for practices. He only started jogging two days ago. Don Jones was also taken off the PUP list as well. He needs to get back into practice soon as the safety position is tight and he has been on and off the roster the last two seasons.