Updating Miami Dolphins' Key Position Battles in Training Camp

With the first preseason game in the books, the Miami Dolphins have returned to practice and will get ready to take on the Carolina Panthers on Friday. 

A few things have happened since that first game last Friday that impacts the depth chart the Dolphins will take with them to Charlotte. Position battles have intensified, and coaches are beginning to get a better idea of what players will be sticking around for in the regular season.

Let's take a look at some of the position battles that are still going on now and will remain throughout the preseason.

Quarterback

With David Garrard having surgery on his knee, Matt Moore or Ryan Tannehill could've shined and made the quarterback battle a lot more competitive. However, neither was really impressive, and both failed to separate themselves.

Tannehill had some good moments, but he also made some questionable decisions. Moore, on the other hand, was unimpressive. 

Garrard might be out for another three weeks, giving Moore and Tannehill all preseason to try to take the starting position from Garrard. Tannehill may have gotten an upper hand on Moore, but the race is not yet over.

Wide Receiver

With the recent news that the Dolphins released Chad Johnson after his arrest, the wide receiver battle is once again wide open.

Both rookies and veterans are fighting for starting spots. This position battle is one of the most heated battles in camp, given that there is no clear-cut starter or superstar.

Davone Bess, Brian Hartline and Legedu Naanee are projected to play with the first team, but any roster spot behind them is completely wide open.

Safety

This is still one of the weak spots in the Dolphins defense.

Reshad Jones, Chris Clemmons, Tyron Culver and Jimmy Wilson all have a shot at being the starting safeties, but none of them did anything against Tampa Bay to really improve himself as the starter.

This is still a close race that won't take much by either player to get a leg up on the others. Safety is going to be a weakness, regardless of who wins these starting positions.