Mike McDaniel said that some players will play against Tampa Bay, but we’ll have to wait-and-see if Poyer is among the starters.
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Former Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer fractured a finger early in training camp, but he’s all set to go as the 2022 first-team All-Pro gears up for his first season with the Miami Dolphins. He signed a one-year deal with the team after playing at least 16 games in five of the last six seasons.
“I fractured the bottom of my thumb in one-on-ones, probably like the fifth or sixth practice,” Poyer told reporters Monday. “I’ve just been out a couple of weeks. It’s been tough to sit back and kind of watch, but at the same time, it’s given me a lot of perspective, given me a lot of excitement coming into the season.”
The Dolphins participated in a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, ahead of Friday’s preseason finale. While Elijah Campbell and Marcus Maye saw increased workloads throughout the preseason, Poyer is ready to step in as a starting safety in Anthony Weaver’s defense.
“I’m excited for this week of joint practice against Tampa Bay. I’m super excited for where this team is headed,” Poyer said. “It’s been fun to kind of take a step back and really watch and see how this team works. It’s been fun to watch them, and I’m excited to get back out there and play.”
Poyer will start alongside Jevon Holland, with Maye and Campbell still in the mix after extended preseason work. The Dolphins kept five safeties on the opening 53-man roster last season, and the same could be true this year, depending on how rookies Patrick McMorris, Jordan Colbert, and Mark Perry perform on Friday night.
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Coach Mike McDaniel said some starters will play against the Buccaneers but didn’t specify which ones. Poyer hopes to see playing time, but either way, he expects to be ready for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I’m not sure,” Poyer said when asked if he’ll suit up Friday. “I’ll leave that up to [Coach McDaniel]. If they give me the green light, I’m going to go out there and play. If not, I’m going to support my teammates. Either way, I’m excited to play football again.”
