Dolphins’ Brian Flores praises Tagovailoa’s improvement, Waddle’s ankle recovery — despite noticeable limp

Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores was pleased with how quarterback Tua Tagovailoa responded in practice Wednesday as the team concluded its mandatory offseason minicamp.

Tagovailoa, who threw five interceptions in the pouring rain on Tuesday, did not throw an interception on Wednesday and showed improvement.

Flores said Thursday that he had conversations with Tagovailoa about aspects of his game to improve before the 2021 season, and praised Tagovailoa for his diligent work during the offseason.

“He’s made some improvement over the course of the last two days, and definitely over the course of the offseason,” Flores said.

“We talked a lot after the season about a variety of things that we felt like he could get better at from a training standpoint, from a command-of-the-offense standpoint, and from reads and throwing mechanics standpoint.

“I think he’s really worked on all of them and made some improvements. I think he’s going to not rest on that, and try to continue to improve. He’ll be ready to go for training camp.”

Waddle making progress

First-round rookie receiver Jaylen Waddle, who has been recovering from a broken ankle since last October, made it through minicamp with no limitations. But there were times Waddle walked with a noticeable limp during practices open to the media this offseason.

Despite the limp, Waddle closed out Wednesday’s practice with an electric 50-yard, catch and run touchdown from Tagovailoa during a hurry-up, two-minute setting. He was clearly the fastest player on the field ― by far.

Flores was quick to dismiss whether Waddle, the team’s No. 6 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, is dealing with some lingering effects from his injury suffered on Oct. 24, 2020.

“From a health standpoint, I mean, you saw him run [Wednesday]. I’m looking at him run and it looks like he’s doing alright from that standpoint,” Flores said of Waddle. “I don’t know — he’s got a limp, maybe. I mean, I don’t know. Maybe he walks with a limp. It looks like he’s running pretty well to me, though. … He looks fine to me physically.”

On how Waddle progressed with the team this offseason, Flores said:

“We’re excited to continue working with him. He’s done a lot of good things so far, but he’s still got a long way to go, and a lot to learn. It’s only a couple practices. He still has to see different coverages, different ways he’s going to get played … But in two practices you can only get a couple things [in]. We’ll continue to give him different looks, and he’ll practice his techniques and fundamentals and hopefully get better.”

Successful offseason

With minicamp ending Thursday, the Dolphins have a little bit of down time before the training camp begins in late July.

Flores was pleased with how the team developed chemistry and got an introduction to the playbook, while going through plays on the field in practice during offseason activities in the last month.

“I’m happy with what we did this offseason,” Flores said. “Hopefully, it helps us moving forward into training camp and preseason games, and into the season.”

Flores also encouraged his players during their team meeting Thursday morning to strike a balance with recharging, spending time with loved ones and preparing for this season.

“Obviously, this is what they love to do. And if they want to be at the top of their game come training camp, they’re going to have to train,” Flores said. “But I think it’s a good time for them to get away, recharge and come back refreshed with a lot of energy and ready to go.”

New practice facility draws praise

Flores said the Dolphins plan to tour the team’s new practice facility, which sits on the Hard Rock Stadium campus in Miami Gardens.

The team will be moving from its Davie facility at Nova Southeastern University into the new complex when training camp begins next month.

“We’re all excited about the new practice facility. I’ve been down there several times. Credit to [team owner] Steve Ross and the investment he made on the team. He spared no expense to create a state-of-the-art facility for us,” Flores said.

Howard still a no-show

Star cornerback Xavien Howard was not in attendance again Thursday, missing the entirety of the team’s mandatory minicamp.

Howard is holding out for a new contract after leading the NFL with 10 interceptions last season. In May 2019, he signed a five-year, $75.25 million extension, which is set to pay him $12 million in 2021 and $49.3 million over the next four seasons.

By missing mandatory minicamp, Howard is subject to a $93,085 fine.