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Sparano keeping quarterbacks in dark

BY MICHAEL WALLACE
Miami Herald

If Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has a plan for his quarterback rotation in Saturday's preseason opener against the Buccaneers, the player atop Miami's depth chart hasn't been told.

Quarterback Josh McCown said after Tuesday's practice that the coaching staff has not revealed the pecking order for Saturday's game. McCown also said he wouldn't be surprised if the quarterbacks did learn if -- or how long -- each would play until just before kickoff at Dolphin Stadium.

''We don't know anything yet, but we're working to find out,'' McCown said. ``You're always a little anxious or excited to find out. I know the coaches have a plan with what they may want to do. But you try to not let anything surprise you.''

McCown was listed as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart the team released earlier this week to comply with a league mandate. But Sparano has repeatedly said the order changes daily -- if not more often.

McCown continued to work with the first-team offense Tuesday, with second-year quarterback John Beck and rookie Chad Henne as backups.

Sparano said before Tuesday's practice there was still plenty of uncertainty at the position. McCown, Beck and Henne didn't appear to do much to change that perception.

McCown threw three interceptions late in the workout. And all three quarterbacks had passes tipped or batted down in scrimmage drills.

Sparano is looking for specific intangibles over the next few days.

''We haven't settled on anything right now -- that's the truth,'' Sparano said. ``What I'm most eager to see is just when the light goes on. Who does what? Who can do it fast, and who doesn't get rattled? Who makes the extra play, the critical play? We have [two] really good practices left before we really got to start to turn the page here [before] Tampa Bay.''

BRACING FOR HITS

Running back Ronnie Brown doesn't expect to get the day off for Saturday's preseason game. But, after coming off season-ending knee surgery, Brown also doesn't want to take too many risks in the preseason.

Brown has been practicing in full-contact drills without limitations through the first two weeks of training camp. He said Tuesday his knee and body are responding well.

''It was real big over this past week and a half to come in and sort of get over the mental aspect of physical contact,'' Brown said.

''But when I'm in there, I do have to keep everything in perspective and realize that this is a preseason game. We have a long season, at least 16 games. But at the same time, you have to get work in,'' he said.

Brown was responding to comments made by Sparano, who said earlier Tuesday that the staff would ''be smart if we need to be smart with some players, but our players know that they need to play'' in preseason.

Brown, running back Ricky Williams (shoulder) and safety Renaldo Hill (knee) are among those practicing full speed after recovering from season-ending surgeries.

INJURY UPDATES

Receiver Ernest Wilford left Tuesday's practice early with cramps but is expected to return Wednesday. . . . Cornerback Michael Lehan, who continues to rehabilitate from a sprained right ankle he sustained in June, went through an aggressive workout on a stationary bike outside Tuesday.

I'd say give them an equal amount of snaps in the first two games, and mix in the different teams.  After those two, we should have a pretty good idea of who's taking the lead if anyone at all.