Dolphins coaches address personnel questions on defense. And notes

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s availability is the most important question mark for the Dolphins heading into Sunday’s home opener against Jacksonville; defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said he’s “hopeful” that Ramsey will play, but he missed practice Thursday with a hamstring injury.

But decisions also loom at other positions on defense. Where those stand:

▪ With Jaelan Phillips likely on a “pitch count” Sunday and Bradley Chubb on the physically unable to perform list, how will the Dolphins allocate outside linebacker snaps among Emmanuel Ogbah (who’s first team on the depth chart), Quinton Bell and rookies Chop Robinson and Mo Kamara?

And is Robinson’s ability to set the edge in the run game good enough to be trusted yet on early downs?

“All of those guys are going to play,” Weaver said in response to those questions. “I have faith and trust in their ability. Will Chop and Mo have growing pains and make mistakes? Sure. But you’ve got to let them touch the stove and coach them through it and make sure they’re not repeat offenders. All of them will play.”

▪ Baltimore, where Weaver previously coached, used a fair share of three safety looks. So will Marcus Maye play a lot alongside Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer?

“You will see a combination of three safeties at some point,” Weaver said. “I love Marcus Maye — tremendous player. I wouldn’t sleep on Elijah Campbell either. His knowledge and wisdom continue to grow. You will see us play three safeties because at times with specific personnel groups, if we want our best guys on the field” that will be necessary.

▪ Will a package be carved out for linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., who has started 75 of his 85 NFL appearances but is a backup here, along with Duke Riley?

Linebackers coach Joe Barry didn’t answer directly but made clear that David Long Jr. and Jordyn Brooks are the starting inside linebackers.

“We feel we have four guys who have played good football in this league,” Barry said. “Anytime we will be in situations where any one will have to be on the field, whether we create packages or not, we feel good about all four of them.”

And what about third-year inside linebacker Channing Tindall, who played well in preseason?

“I love where Channing is right now; I couldn’t be more pleased with his development,” Barry said. “We have four really good inside linebackers that are veteran guys that have played at a high level. In any other situation, Channing would be expected to play and play a lot.”

Barry mentioned that when he was an assistant head coach and linebacker coach for the Rams, and Brooks was coming out of Texas Tech, “he was a guy I coveted. I really liked him. Ironically, he goes to a division opponent [Seattle]. You get heartbroken for a minute during the draft and you keep moving. The cool thing is six years later, I get to coach him. I really enjoy him. He’s a pro. Glad we have him.”

THIS AND THAT

▪ Center Aaron Brewer, working his way back from a hand injury, “has been doing a great job this week,” offensive coordinator Frank Smith said. “We’re really excited with how he’s working.”

▪ With Jack Driscoll released (he’s now on Philadelphia’s practice squad), the Dolphins didn’t end up adding a single veteran guard who will begin the season on the team.

What made the Dolphins want to stick with this group of guards — Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones and Lester Cotton?

“Ultimately the makeup of the guys, their willingness to improve,” Smith said. “You see the growth. With the offensive line, you can get stuck in where they’re at. It can sometimes move at a different [pace] than skill positions. We are pleased with the growth we’ve seen.”

Smith said Eichenberg’s “growth over our time here has been tremendous.”

▪ Kicker Jason Sanders enters the season having converted 7 of his past 10 field-goal attempts of 50 yards or more.

“Leg strength is not anything I’ve been concerned with” with Sanders, special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said. “Really feel good where Jason is.”

▪ Crossman praised new receiver Grant DuBose, who has special teams versatility. DuBose, claimed from Green Bay last week, “gives us things we don’t have,” Crossman said. “Talented young player.”

▪ Tight ends coach Jon Embree, on why tight end Tanner Conner made the 53-man roster despite missing about 10 days after breaking a rib in the first preseason game:

“It was something he flat out earned. With the 53-man roster, coach wants NFL players. Are you better than the fifth linebacker or fifth safety? Who’s the better player? With Tanner, what he can do on special teams, his speed and power, showed enough where he earned that right to be on the team.”