Highlights and observations from the seventh training camp practice at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University:
- The Dolphins practiced in full pads Thursday and did some live tackling.
- Professional wrestler “The Big Show” Paul Wight and actor Andy Garcia were guests at practice.
- Tight end MarQueis Gray joined the list of players sitting out practice. Wide receiver Isaiah Ford (shoulder) again sat out practice after wearing a red (non-contact) jersey the past couple of practices, and they joined offensive lineman Jake Brendel (calf) and tight end A.J. Derby (foot) on the sideline.
- Tackle Ja’Wuan James was held out of team drills for a second consecutive day. Head Coach Adam Gase said Wednesday that James was dealing with a muscle strain.
- Cornerback Xavien Howard was the star of practice, coming up with three interception in team drills, including one where he tipped a deep pass intended for DeVante Parker and caught the deflection while falling to the ground. He also had one in an end-of-game situation.
- Wide receiver Leonte Carroo made a spectacular one-handed grab in a passing drill.
- Jakeem Grant, Danny Amendola, Albert Wilson and Kenyan Drake dropped back to field punts.
- Linebacker Chase Allen lined up with the first-team defense alongside Kiko Alonso and Raekwon McMillan. Torry McTyer was the cornerback opposite Xavien Howard with the first defense.
- The offensive line created a big hole for running back Kenyan Drake in a team drill.
- Linebacker Terence Garvin made a nice backside tackle on a running play by Senorise Perry.
- Quarterback Bryce Petty completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to rookie running back Kalen Ballage, who got open behind the defense on a wheel route.
- Rookie free agent Greg Joseph did the kicking Thursday and was 6-for-8 on field goal attempts, with a long of 56 yards.
- Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips pushed through the line of scrimmage to drop Perry for a loss on back-to-back running plays.
- The Dolphins did a team drill with the offense started inside its 5-yard line.
- Cornerback Tony Lippett had a leaping deflection in the end zone in an end-of-game drill.
- Rookie tight end Mike Gesicki did a nice job of getting both feet in bounds on a team drill pass.
- Rookie defensive end Claudy Mathieu had a sack in an end-of-game drill.
