Dolphins’ McDaniel addresses Cam Smith injury, Tagovailoa, Armstead’s status, Wynn, more

Second-year cornerback Cam Smith will miss some time with an undisclosed lower-body injury but is expected back at some point during training camp or preseason, coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday.

Smith was limping when he left practice, assisted by a trainer, on Sunday. He was not seen during Monday’s session.

Smith entered camp competing for a rotation cornerback job. Ethan Bonner, Nik Needham, former Bills special team player Siran Neal and three undrafted rookie cornerbacks could get more practice snaps in Smith’s absence.

Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller are the Dolphins’ starting cornerbacks, and Kader Kohou is the front-runner for a prominent role.

As for left guard Isaiah Wynn, he remains on the physically unable to perform list while continuing to recover from an October quad injury. Wynn “is doing well,” McDaniel said. “He’s been a steadfast fixture within the team. He’s progressing. I’ll give you an update when it’s clearer.”

Meanwhile, left tackle Terron Armstead was set to practice on Tuesday after skipping the first five sessions as part of a maintanance program designed to try to keep him healthy and spry all season.

“We worked very transparently on how much does he need on [any day],” McDaniel said. “The amount will vary based on him knowing his body... Terron is such a valuable part of the team.”

Armstead missed seven games last season with injuries but McDaniel said “he [went] above and beyond and played through [injuries] until he knew it was going to compromise his play.”

McDaniel addressed other issues on Tuesday:

▪ On Tagovailoa seeming more nimble in the pocket: “When you are admiring his nimbleness, know that’s something he has been very disciplined on each and every day. It’s a great example of taking your game into your own hands.”

▪ On the fact his players really seem to like new coordinator Anthony Weaver and his defense: “It’s gratifying because it’s very important there’s connectivity there. It’s also not a surprise. If you want a player to be able to be his very best, you have to be able to reach them. I’ve been as happy with our intent and how we attack practice as I’ve ever been as a head coach.”

▪ On outside linebacker Quinton Bell, who has had an impressive first week: “Fired up that you brought up Q. You learn so much about players based on how other players react. When he gets an edge on a lineman and creates a hurry, pressure or sack or is long-arming setting the edge, people lose their minds. He comes to work every day with no excuses. He doesn’t tally how many opportunities he gets; he makes the most out of how many he does get.”

Bell is making a case to play early in the season, especially with Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb working their way back from major injuries.

▪ With regard to the offensive line, McDaniel reiterated that “position versatility is absolutely paramount when you’re not starting.” Multiple players have been cross-training at new positions during camp, though rules prohibit those players from being identified until preseason games.