Mike McDaniel reveals plans for Dolphins' starters in final preseason game against the Bucs

For Miami Dolphins fans hoping that Mike McDaniel will take it easy with the starters in the team's final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , it appears as thought they may be getting their wish - mostly.

McDaniel addressed the media on Wednesday from Tampa, where the teams are holding joint practices, and he announced that his plan was to play some of his starters, although it sounds like the majority won't play.

"We will play some starters. We won't play others.  The strategy is just where guys are at.  There's jobs to be won, and then there's to really evaluate all the jobs at stake. You end up prioritizing certain aspects of your team and getting game reps for the guys that haven't played in games as much.

"So for a majority of the starters, today is a very big practice because some of them won't play.  There will be some that do, but that's just kind of how I look at it overall.  Case by case, but trending that way."

At this point, anyone with any form of ailment more than a broken fingernail should probably be scratched off the list for Friday night for the Dolphins.  Miami had four notable players go down against the Washington Commanders on Saturday night, so surely that's weighing heavily on McDaniel's mind as the preseason comes to a conclusion.  Or at least it should be.

The real question is whether veterans who haven't played yet in the preseason who don't really need that much preparation will see action.  That includes players like Jalen Ramsey and Jordan Poyer, both of whom have been dealing with ailments during the preseason.

We'll find out on Friday night at 7:30 pm, when the Bucs and Dolphins square off at Raymond James Stadium.

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