Dolphins’ Weaver addresses Phillips’ early-season status and lots of personnel issues

Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips has looked great since returning to practice last week and how much he plays early in the season is yet to be determined.

“We are going to have to listen to his body,” Weaver said Tuesday. “I don’t want to put a number on it. We have to be smart how we approach it. He looks like a manchild when he has gone. He looks like the Jaelan Phillips we all expect to see.”

Phillips has made a full recovery from November’s torn Achilles tendon.

Though Bradley Chubb remains on the physically unable to perform list, Weaver is bullish on the outside linebackers.

“I love that group,” he said. “Each and every guy has shown they can do something positive for this defense. I’m incredibly excited about the young bucks, Mohammad [Kamara].”

Of rookie edge players Chop Robinson and Kamara, Weaver said: “I have never seen two people so disappointed that they weren’t able to take the field [against Atlanta]. They were genuinely distraught. They have a little bit of a healthy competition between each other. That internal rivalry between the two of them is pretty cool.”

Weaver loves how engaged Chubb has been in the meeting room and serving as a leader. “I love him and appreciate his work; I see it every day,” Weaver said. “Can’t wait for him to get back on the field. You talk about a guy who is attacking his rehab with a fierce intensity.”

▪ Do the Dolphins have enough at cornerback behind Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller and Kader Kohou, who are the starters?

“I have utmost confidence in all those guys who aren’t as heralded,” he said.

▪ Weaver likes what he sees of linebacker Channing Tindall: “I’m so proud of that kid because I know nobody puts more pressure on himself than he does. He has come out every day and gotten better. He’s soaking it all in. Incredibly proud of that kid. He’s ascending.”

▪ Rookie cornerbacks Storm Duck and Isaiah Johnson continue to make a case for the 53-man roster.

Those two “are very different,” Weaver said. “Isaiah is big, tall and long. Storm is shorter, quick, has great long speed.”

Weaver also mentioned cornerback Jason Maitre and safety Patrick McMorris.

“That young defensive back group is mature,” Weaver said. “Those guys have taken that information and had it translate to the field very quickly. I’m not counting any of those kids to potentially help us this season.”

▪ Weaver, on his style: “You can’t be a dictator and bark down words. People don’t respond to that. I’m trying to help this team win a Super Bowl.”

▪ Weaver said he’s “pleased where” Brandon Pili is “trending. Pili has all the attributes to be a productive NFL interior lineman. He is still learning the finer things of learning the position. He comes to work bright-eyed and ready to go.”

▪ On safety Marcus Maye: “Did you see him in the game? He has been flying around hitting everything. I love his professionalism. I love his toughness.”

▪ Weaver said safety Jevon Holland “wants to be great. I’ve shown guys tape of him running to the opposite pylon to make a play. He’s dealing with some things right now [injuries], but when he’s out there, you see the impact he will have on this defense.”

CROSSMAN WEIGHS IN

▪ Bubble players who excel on special teams naturally have an edge for roster spots. So special teams coordinator Danny Crossman’s answer was telling when asked which players have stood out on coverage units in the two preseason games.

Crossman immediately mentioned cornerback Siran Neal and linebackers Duke Riley and Quinton Bell as players who have “done a good job.”

He also mentioned rookie safeties McMorris and Mark Perry and undrafted rookie cornerback Johnson. All three rookie cornerbacks (Johnson, Duck and Maitre) have all “stood out in different areas,” Crossman said. “All three are good players.”

And what about Tindall?

“Channing has done a good job. You can see the growth in Year 3.”

And safety Elijah Campbell? “He’s always been a very talented player. Hopefully we can keep him healthy.”

Neal’s spot seems secure because of special teams skills.

Crossman coached him earlier in his career and “he’s obviously a much better player. He was talented young player when I had him. Now you are getting a refined good football player. Now instead of guy full of potential, he’s the real deal.”

▪ Crossman said when rookie receiver Malik Washington has worked as a returner, “he’s done a very good job making good decisions. He’s fearless with the ball in his hands. Obviously, there are things to work on. Very happy with what he’s able to accomplish in preseason.”

▪ Crossman said the competition between Jason Sanders and Jake Bailey is “ongoing” regarding who will handle kickoffs under new NFL kickoff rules.

FRANK SMITH’S THOUGHTS

▪ Dolphins offensive coordinator said the “next couple days are really vital” in the Mike White/Skylar Thompson backup quarterback competition.

▪ Smith coached new Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith at the Senior Bowl and knew right away that he had a future.

“He was locked in, attentive at meetings, taking emphasis points to the field,” Smith said. “He got football and he got it fast. He’s a very confident guy. To see how his career has gone has been awesome.”

▪ There’s still no public timetable on left guard Isaiah Wynn’s return from last October’s quadriceps injury.

“Wynn is working his butt off,” Smith said when asked if the Dolphins can play on having him early in the season. “When the day comes, we will factor that out.”

▪ Smith said receivers Washington and Erik Ezukanma “have had good camps. It was great to have Erik with production we had in the game” against Washington.