A progress report on Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers; and Thursday injury report

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers is improving as the season progresses. It’s just all transpiring behind the scenes.

That’s what has to happen for a young seventh-round pick who is third on the team’s depth chart.

As the Dolphins returned from the late-season bye this week, Ewers earned a positive progress report from quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell on Monday.

“Quinn’s doing a really good job,” Bevell said. “He’s working every day to get better, one, within our offense and then he’s getting reps on the scout team. We kind of switch up with (backup) Zach (Wilson) and Quinn for the reps on the scout team.

“Both those guys are doing a great job. There’s good competition between them. At the end of the week, I sit down and watch Quinn’s reps that he’s had and make sure that he’s getting coached, that it’s not just he’s taking these plays and we’re never watching them again.”

Ewers, the Texas product who ran a college offense with similarities to what Miami runs under coach Mike McDaniel, feels the improvement coming along.

“I feel good,” he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “Definitely getting a better feel of the offense week by week, and just trying to give a good look to the defense.”

Part of the challenge as a reserve quarterback is running the scout team to operate how opponents do for the Miami defense, but Ewers must balance that with functioning in the framework of the Dolphins’ offense.

“It’s the job of the backup quarterback in this league,” Ewers said. “To give looks to our defense, but also be prepared if the number’s called. So it’s just how the profession is, and I’ve enjoyed the heck out of it.”

Like for starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the bye week offered time for reflection for Ewers.

“It was definitely good for me to go back and see what I could improve and whatnot and continuing to grow within the offense and continuing to learn how we run that offense,” he said.

And he feels support from Tagovailoa and Wilson.

“They’re great dudes,” Ewers said. “They got a lot of experience, both of them. Played and succeeded in this league, so it’s great to be around (them).”

Ewers had the one week where he was surprised with the decision to elevate him to No. 2 quarterback in Cleveland over Wilson. He ended up playing in the end of that blowout loss, but after competition was briefly opened up, the team went back to Wilson as Tagovailoa’s backup.

“It was great,” Ewers said of the opportunity. “Always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL, and just trying to always be ready for when my number’s called. And competition only makes us better in that room, so I think it’s good for all of us, at the end of the day.”

Bevell approved of the quick back and forth.

“I think it’s a good thing that Mike did,” Bevell said. “It keeps you on your toes. It keeps you competing. It makes you feel like the things that you’re doing are valid and are worthwhile and you’re not going through the motions and doesn’t let you get complacent. So I think it was a good shakeup.”

Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, who are both dealing with foot injuries, improved to full participation at Thursday’s practice, according to the team’s injury report.

Remaining limited at Thursday drills were: center Aaron Brewer (foot/ankle), cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle), defensive tackle Benito Jones (ankle), right tackle Austin Jackson (toe) and tight end Darren Waller (pectoral). Jackson and Waller are trying to work toward activation from injured reserve.

For the Saints, wide receiver Chris Olave was downgraded to missing practice Thursday after being limited with an ailing back on Wednesday. Running back Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) again missed drills. Fellow running back Devin Neal (ankle) was limited again, and tackle Taliese Fuaga (ankle) improved to full participation after being limited Wednesday.