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Miami Dolphins PhanMail Friday: Pre-Season Kickoff

By David Eversole

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 10: Leonte Carroo #88 of the Miami Dolphins catches Atlanta Falcons pass for Atlanta Falcons second quarter touchdown pass as C.J. Goodwin #29 of the Atlanta Falcons defends during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 10: Leonte Carroo #88 of the Miami Dolphins catches Atlanta Falcons pass for Atlanta Falcons second quarter touchdown pass as C.J. Goodwin #29 of the Atlanta Falcons defends during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images) /
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Welcome back to our weekly Miami Dolphins question and answer segment PhanMail Friday. The Dolphins played their first exhibition game Thursday versus the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons.

Q: This team seems to be snake-bit with injuries, first Jay Ajayi then Ryan Tannehill. Now Raekwon McMillan goes down. What gives? Jill-Boca Raton

A: Every team goes through a stretch where guys are getting hurt, it’s an unfortunate part of the game. It just seems like the injuries to the Dolphins have been to higher profile players. At the time of this writing the extent of Raekwon McMillan’s injury is unknown but the initial reports are not favorable. This would be absolutely devastating to the Dolphins, McMillan was likely to go into the year as the starting middle linebacker. Nothing has been made official regarding the injury to McMillan so Dolphins fans have to hope for the best. Thankfully, Jay Ajayi is progressing on schedule through the NFL concussion protocol, so hopefully he will be back on the field soon.

Q: Did any player on the roster bubble make a case for a closer look? Jason- Harrington Park, NJ

A: Running back Storm Johnson had a great kickoff return in the first quarter, that dimension of his game gives him added value to the team overall. If he can stay healthy and the Dolphins carry four running backs he has a good chance to make the roster. Leonte Carroo had an impressive touchdown reception making an excellent adjustment to find the football. He isn’t necessarily on the bubble but any positive contributions will solidify his spot. David Fales also had an impressive 99-yard touchdown pass to Damore’ea Stringfellow.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/895825807708258304

Neither Fales or Stringfellow are safe bets to make the team, but nonetheless made a very nice impression.

Next: DeVante Parker will win your fantasy league

Q: What rookies stood out in their first live NFL action? Tommy- Key Largo

A: After McMillan went out very early in the game, it shifted some of the spotlight to the other rookies. Cordrea Tankersley has been struggling early on in camp but made an excellent tackle on kickoff coverage, followed immediately by a great one-on-one tackle in space. Davon Godchaux built on his strong training camp thus far and had a solid debut. He continues to push for a starting defensive tackle spot on this team, showing great strength at the point of attack. Francis Owusu also had a very athletic touchdown catch in the back of the endzone from Fales, making a nice adjustment on a pass thrown behind him.

Follow David Eversole on Twitter @247MiamiSports for the latest Miami Dolphins news.

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