Get ready for the Skylar Thompson showcase this weekend.

With Tua Tagovailoa’s playing status uncertain for Saturday’s preseason opener against Tampa Bay, it’s possible that the former Kansas State standout the Miami Dolphins selected in the seventh round this year could play most, if not all of the Saturday’s exhibition.

With Teddy Bridgewater sitting out all of Thursday’s 11-on-11 periods, Tagovailoa and Thompson were the only Dolphins quarterbacks who participated in team drills during the joint practices against the Buccaneers.

And Thompson used those extra reps to shine with his unit.

In his first pass of the early 11-on-11 period, Thompson found Tanner Conner wide open on the left side of the field, and the undrafted rookie from Idaho State scurried to the end zone for a touchdown.

A few snaps later, Thompson, who threw for 7,124 yards and scored 42 touchdown in his five seasons for the Wildcats, drove his unit into scoring territory and threw a touchdown pass to receiver Trent Sherfield.

On his next drive he found tailback Chase Edmonds open in the middle of the end zone for a touchdown.

Then, during the red-zone segment of the joint practice’s 11-on-11 period, Thompson connected with fellow rookie Erik Ezukanma for a touchdown in the middle of the field.

That’s four touchdowns on from Thursday’s practice. Not all of his drives or reps were clean, but the 25-year-old quarterback is clearly showing that he’s gained a good grasp of the offense since camp opened, has developed chemistry with his receivers, and the game speed has begun to slow down.

He’ll likely have at least a half, if not three quarters of Saturday’s game to show the world his growth.

Observations

Terron Armstead had his most active practice of training camp, participating in every 11-on-11 period for the first time since camp opened. The veteran left tackle the Dolphins signed to a lucrative contract free agency was also spotted pancaking Buccaneers defensive linemen Logan Hall….

Tagovailoa has an effective day executing Miami’s offense, making the most out of a sack-plagued drive during Thursday’s practice. Most of his throws were decisive and on the money. He was plagued by a few bad snaps from Connor Williams…

Cornerback Keion Crossen had one of his better practices of camp, delivering three pass breakups against the Buccaneers….

Safety Jevon Holland pulled down an interception off Blaine Gabbert during the 7-on-7 period….

Linebacker Duke Riley had a skirmish with Buccaneers offensive guard Luke Goedeke that got both teams involved….

Buccaneers tailback Giovanni Bernard had a couple of big runs against the Dolphins defense, which had some gap-integrity issues.

Tight end Mike Gesicki had one touchdown pass called back, then dropped another in end zone. But the flex tight end got a lot of work as a blocker during Thursday’s practice and didn’t embarrass himself….

Stock up

Austin Jackson had two solid practice sessions against one of the most physical defensive lines in the NFL. That’s a huge step forward for the Dolphins’ 2020 first-round pick, considering this time last year he was being embarrassed by the Chicago Bears defensive line in Miami’s joint practices. Jackson is leaner, and it seems his footwork and hand placement have been cleaned up.

Stock down

At this point it is not safe to predict Solomon Kindley, a 2020 fourth-round pick who started 12 games at right guard in 2020, makes it onto the 53-man roster unless he has an impressive preseason showing. Kindley, who is clearly Miami’s heaviest offensive lineman, shines when it comes to pass protection. But he seemingly lacks the athleticism to create movement in the run game.

Injury update

Backup center Michael Deiter didn’t participate in 1-on-1 drills, but did get involved during some 11-on-11 reps. It was his third day of practice since training camp began, because of a foot injury he suffered on the first day….

Cornerback Kader Kohou, who seemingly suffered an ankle injury on Wednesday, participated in practice but was seemingly limited….

Safety Sheldrick Redwine and fullback John Lovett continued to sit out practice.

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