After narrowly missing the playoffs, the Miami Dolphins have an important training camp coming up if they want to reach the next level. When does it start, where will it be held, and are fans allowed to attend?
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With phase 3 of the 2021 NFL offseason set to wrap up on June 18th, teams are already looking forward to training camp. It is by far the most grueling and pivotal part of a team’s preparations.
Training camps often include busy days for players and coaches, sometimes with 2 practices a day, weight training, team meetings, and film sessions.
Per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), no contact is permitted during the first 3 days of camp. Days 4 and 5 will see players at full speed in light equipment called “spiders and shells”, day 6 is a mandatory day off, and finally fully-padded practices start on the 7th day.
Along with the strenuous schedule, full-speed practices mean that both contact and non-contact injuries are very common. Regardless, training camp is mandatory for all players, unlike OTAs which are voluntary. If a player doesn’t show up, they risk getting cut by their team.
When Does Training Camp Start for the Miami Dolphins?
For the first time in NFL history, there will be a unified start for training camp. 29 franchises, including the Dolphins, will kick off their training camps on Tuesday, July 27th.
However, the Cowboys and Steelers, who will play in the preseason Hall of Fame game, are allowed to begin training camp as early as July 21st. The Buccaneers will also be allowed to start training camp 3 days earlier on the 24th, as they play the season opener against Dallas on a Thursday night.
Where is the Dolphins Training Camp Being Held?
Normally, NFL teams are permitted to hold training camp at outside facilities to improve accessibility for fans, However last year, due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID pandemic, teams were instructed to conduct camp at their own training facilities.
This year, the rules have been eased, a good sign that things are getting back to normal. The Dolphins will hold training camp at the brand new Baptist Health Training Center in Miami Gardens. (20000 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056.)
Miami Dolphins Training Camp Roster: Key Position Battles to Watch
As usual, teams will start camp with 90-man rosters. They must cut down to 85 players by August 17th and to 80 by August 24th, before settling on a final 53-man r oster by August 31st.
The Dolphins will be hoping to continue their rise under Brian Flores. In his first season, Miami went 5-11 but just one year later in 2020, the team finished with an impressive 10-6 record.
One area where the team clearly lacks is the offensive line. It’s a relatively young group which PFF ranked at 28th in the league last year, so it will definitely be something to focus on in training camp.
In particular, Right Tackle will be a priority in order to protect Tua’s blind side. Flores and his staff will have to choose between incumbent Robert Hunt, Jesse Davis, and rookie Liam Eichenberg.
Eichenberg, the team’s 2nd round pick out of Notre Dame, might also be given a chance at multiple spots along the line. “He’s got versatility to play left (tackle), right, guard; so like always, we’re always looking to play the best five so he’s got to earn his role on this team,” Flores said in May.
Will Fans Be Allowed to Attend Dolphins Training Camp?
After a year without fans at training camp, NFL teams have done their best to give their fans a good experience. The Dolphins will allow fans to attend camp, and they will feature a special theme each day.
Also Read: New England Patriots Training Camp 2021: Start Date, Location, Roster Battles, and Fan Policy
