2024 Miami Dolphins season: 5 players to watch tonight vs. Atlanta Falcons

MIAMI GARDENS - The Miami Dolphins open their preseason against the Atlanta Falcons tonight at Hard Rock Stadium.

Coach Mike McDaniel does not figure to use key players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Terron Armstead and Jalen Ramsey.

Let's preview Dolphins vs. Falcons with a look at five players you should watch.

Dolphins vs. Falcons preseason opener players to watch

Edge Quinton Bell — Bell has come from nowhere to first team on the preseason depth chart at edge rusher. Yes, Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb will return at some point, but Bell has earned a spot on this roster and can solidify it, starting tonight. A former wide receiver at Prairie View A&M, Bell should be a fan favorite. He says he loves the grind. He says he loves the mud. He's been a part of 24 NFL transactions, but may finally have found his spot.

Edge Chop Robinson — Chop has shown his speed and quickness in training camp. But how does Miami's first-rounder do in a full-speed situation against an NFL tackle when the lights turn on tonight? And how does Chop hold up against the run? Coaches say edges have to earn the right to rush by showing they can hold up against the run. Chop is going to work on his array of pass-rush moves. Let's see how many he flashes tonight.

RB Jaylen Wright — Wright is fast. Wright is willing to run between the tackles, just like De'Von Achane, who broke out for the Dolphins last season. We don't figure to see Raheem Mostert and/or Achane tonight, so perhaps this is an early chance for Wright to shine. Coaches say Wright is highly motivated and committed to learning the offense as fast as possible.

WR Malik Washington — Washington had back-to-back strong practices this week, which is big for him. Washington is a sixth round pick from Virginia who began his career at Northwestern. He's the smallest Dolphins' receiver (he says he's the same size as a few of the players in his position room). But he's slippery and potentially a tackle-breaking big-play maker. Washington needs to prove in the preseason he deserves the final receiver roster spot.

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CB Ethan Bonner — Bonner is second on the depth chart at cornerback, which is impressive for a former undrafted player from Stanford. Teammate Kendall Fuller says Bonner is more than one of the fastest players on the team. Fuller believes Bonner is a complete cornerback. Former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio put Bonner on the field in a playoff game at Kansas City last season. There is a lot of upside here. Let's see is Bonner makes his point this preseason.

Upstart player Miami Dolphins CB Ethan Bonner: 'I think I deserve to be here.'

Miami Dolphins news: NFL preseason opener tonight at Hard Rock Stadium

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins news Chop Robinson preseason opener Atlanta Falcons