What we still don’t know about the Dolphins after roster cutdown day

The Dolphins provided much clarity when they cut their roster to 53 players on Tuesday, parting with multiple veterans and half of their 2023 Draft class. And while Miami placing cornerback Jalen Ramsey and offensive lineman Robert Jones on injured reserve on Thursday were anticipated moves, the team created more questions by placing running back Jeff Wilson Jr. on IR, sidelining him for the first four games of the season.

Though a month’s worth of training camp practices and three preseason games have concluded, there is still some uncertainty, most notably at the backup quarterback spot. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has said he will make the decision public after informing the position room. And Thursday, he insinuated that other unsettled spots could remain ambiguous entering Week 1.

Here are five things we still don’t know about the Dolphins after roster cutdown day.

Who will be the backup quarterback?

The Dolphins had a competition throughout the offseason to back up starter Tua Tagovailoa. Both Mike White and Skylar Thompson made the 53-man roster and while they flashed potential, they also went through stretches in which they struggled. Thompson sandwiched a three-touchdown performance in the preseason between a pair of two-interception outings, and White only got extensive action in the preseason opener because he was placed in concussion protocol.

Regardless of who is the backup, the third quarterback will have to stay ready, given the Dolphins’ bad luck with injuries last season and the NFL’s new emergency quarterback rules. For the first time this season, if both quarterbacks are disqualified from a game because of injury, a third quarterback — who is on the 53-man roster but does not have to be on the active game day roster — can be brought into the game.

Who is the team’s third cornerback?

Noah Igbinoghene was in the running to replace Ramsey in the nickel packages with Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou. But after the Dolphins traded Igbinoghene to the Dallas Cowboys for corner Kelvin Joseph, the only options appear to be Eli Apple and Cam Smith. Apple, the eight-year veteran who signed with the Dolphins in late July, was steady in training camp. Smith, Miami’s top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has a higher ceiling and is inexperienced. He was beaten deep on a double move for a touchdown in the preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before the game, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio acknowledged that players will get beat at times but said, “we don’t want to get beat by self-inflicted wounds.”

Who is the starting safety next to Jevon Holland?

Safety was another position where the Dolphins had a competition throughout camp to find a starter opposite Holland. DeShon Elliott entered camp as the favorite, but Elijah Campbell and Verone McKinley III had strong camps, putting themselves in strong consideration for the role. The competition was complicated by Brandon Jones’ slow return from an ACL tear he sustained last October and Campbell’s injury in the preseason finale. Campbell is expected to be sidelined but does not need to start the season on IR. Jones didn’t play in the preseason but returned to practice a week ago. Given the varying skill sets of the candidates, the Dolphins could rotate multiple players for different packages and situations.

Who is the starting left guard?

Third-year player Liam Eichenberg entered the summer as the favorite to retain his starting left guard spot. He started only 10 games in 2022 because of injuries and after struggling in camp, he ceded ground to Isaiah Wynn and Lester Cotton. Wynn started the final two games of the preseason as Eichenberg dealt with an injury. Eichenberg, who McDaniel said would back up starting center Connor Williams after Dan Feeney was traded, remains sidelined. Wynn has performed well enough to remain in consideration for the starting spot. Miami could opt to enter the season with a rotation but given the importance of the offensive line’s cohesiveness, it might be better to settle on one full-time player.

What will be the running back pecking order?

Wilson’s IR designation — he is dealing with a midsection and finger injury — is an unfortunate blow to a position group that has been determined to improve the team’s rushing efforts in 2023. But the team is positioned well to withstand his absence. Raheem Mostert is one more year removed from his season-ending knee injury in 2021 and has added weight to become a more physical runner. De’Von Achane and Salvon Ahmed are dealing with injuries but are expected to return to full participation next week as the team continues preparation for the Los Angeles Chargers. And the decision to keep Chris Brooks as a fifth back makes much more sense now, though the undrafted rookie earned his spot regardless of Wilson’s situation.

What remains to be seen is who emerges behind Mostert. Achane’s speed is tantalizing and he should get opportunities but Ahmed was a top performer in the preseason. Brooks could give Miami some of the power element the Dolphins miss without Wilson. McDaniel has been willing to divvy up carries or go with the hot hand, so an opportunity has arisen in the backfield.