With Bryon Jones beginning training camp on the physically unable perform list and Xavien Howard being eased into 11-on-11 work during training camp, many of the Miami Dolphins’ young cornerbacks are being thrown into the deep end of the pool.

Nik Needham has used the past two seasons to cement himself as a regular contributor, but this stage of camp presents Trill Williams and Noah Igbinoghene an opportunity to prove they can be trusted by their teammates and coaches.

Both cornerbacks held their own during the Dolphins’ first training camp practice on Wednesday, and that’s an encouraging sign.

Williams, a former Syracuse standout who made the team as an undrafted rookie last year, intercepted Teddy Bridgewater in a late 11-on-11 period and returned the pick for a touchdown for the session’s only big play of the day.

Igbinoghene, a 2020 first-round pick, had a key breakup of a Tua Tagovailoa third-down pass to receiver Tyreek Hill that motivated his fellow defenders to celebrate.

It’s a good start for both cornerbacks, but they’ll need to be consistent to alleviate concerns about the team’s cornerback depth on a day Miami signed Tino Ellis, a former Maryland standout who spent a week on Miami’ practice squad last year, to bring the cornerback unit to 10 players.

While filling in for Howard last preseason when he was sitting out practices while in a contract dispute with the Dolphins that eventually got resolved, Igbinoghene struggled so much during the first two weeks of camp he got demoted to the third-team defense. He went on to only contributed sparingly during the 2021 season.

Camp observations

On a day that featured a heavy amount of slant throws, Hill caught the session’s two most impressive passes, which would have collectively accounted for roughly 50 yards. …

Jaelan Phillip produced a would-be sack and a couple of quarterback hurries, carrying over his impressive OTA showing in the spring to training camp. …

Tailback Chase Edmonds had a nice left-side run that was opened up by Liam Eichenberg and Connor Williams, who are both competing for starting spots on the offensive line. …

Linebacker Brennan Scarlett seemingly forced a fumble on an inside run. …

Cornerback Keion Crossen broke up a pass from Bridgewater to receiver Cedric Wilson that took forever to get there. …

Tight end Mike Gesicki had a nice first-down reception from Bridgewater that ended with him out sprinting the safety to the sideline far down the field to produce run-after-catch yards.

Stock up

Tailback Salvon Ahmed had a couple impressive runs during the first session, hitting the seams of the wide zone effectively. Ahmed usually excels in the non-padded practices. He was one of training camp’s top performers last season, but he vanished when the team put on pads.

Ahmed, who gained 149 yards on 54 carries last season, needs to impress during camp and the exhibition season to extend his stay in South Florida because of how crowded and talented the Dolphins backfield is.

Stock down

Preston Williams dropped a punt during the second special teams practice that would have resulted in a turnover.

Considering Williams is on the outside looking in when it comes to making the 53-man regular-season roster he needs to consistently practice well, and establish some special teams value to earn a spot behind Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Wilson and Erik Ezukanma, the team’s 2022 fourth-round pick. The competition is too steep for Williams be dropping punts and passes.

Injury update

Starting left tackle Terron Armstead took limited reps as the starting left tackle, working with the team for the first time since signing in the spring. Coach Mike McDaniel said Armstead, who has been rehabbing a knee injury he had fixed this offseason, and a number of key veterans will be brought along slowly during camp, having their work limited till the regular season. …

Melvin Ingram participated in his first practice since being signed by the Dolphins in mid-May, and seemed to be working his way back from an undisclosed injury that kept him from participating in the offseason program.

Ingram took snaps during 11-on-11 session, and the 10-year veteran has seemingly adjusted to his outside linebacker role, which he played last season while suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs.

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