Dolphins Add Weekly 7-on-7 Reps for Backup Players
The Miami Dolphins have implemented extra practice sessions for reserves to accelerate their development in team schemes.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
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The Miami Dolphins are holding weekly 7-on-7 practice sessions for backup players following standard team drills. These sessions allow reserves to execute the team's internal offensive and defensive schemes rather than working exclusively as a scout team.
Why it matters
By shifting focus away from mimicking opposing playbooks, the team provides younger players with hands-on coaching and additional repetitions. This structure ensures that backup roster members remain engaged and continue developing within the Dolphins' core system.
Backups participate in sessions lasting seven or eight plays during every Thursday practice. Players are expected to gain 100 extra repetitions in the team's system over a 10-week period.
The players
Kyle McCord
He is a backup quarterback for the Miami Dolphins who joined the NFL in the 2025 draft.
Brady Cook
He is a third-team quarterback for the Miami Dolphins who began his professional career in 2025.
Marcellas Dial
He is a backup cornerback for the Miami Dolphins and was a selection in the 2024 NFL draft.
Jaylin Simpson
He is a backup cornerback who provides depth for the Miami Dolphins roster.
The details
Coaches organize the additional reps after main team practices in Miami Gardens to ensure backups can refine their skills in the team's own playbook. Players like Kyle McCord, Brady Cook, Marcellas Dial, and Jaylin Simpson utilize these sessions to gain valuable experience outside of their usual scout team responsibilities.
Timeline
Weekly, every Thursday.
October 25, 2026, Dolphins play the New York Jets.
Season Trajectory
These extra repetitions aim to improve the readiness of young depth players like Kyle McCord and Marcellas Dial as the Dolphins prepare for the remainder of their season schedule. This strategic focus helps ensure that third-stringers and backups are prepared to contribute effectively if called upon during competitive matchups.
The additional reps provide developmental stability for backups, which may influence roster depth decisions throughout the 2026 season. These sessions ensure that players such as Brady Cook and Jaylin Simpson are prepared for potential future roles within the team's offensive and defensive rotations.
The takeaway
These sessions represent a significant investment in long-term player development for the Dolphins. Dedicated practice time for reserves can create more resilient roster depth as the regular season progresses.
Further reading
For more updates on team drills, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sun Sentinel.
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