The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins traveled to Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois to conduct joint practices with the Chicago Bears on Friday ahead of both teams’ first preseason clash, and while the clubs won’t officially butt heads until Sunday, both squads’ tempers were flaring as the teams battled on the practice field.
It was reported by various beat writers in attendance that multiple fights between the teams — and even one between two Dolphins teammates — erupted before practice concluded.
Dolphins receiver Dee Eskridge was involved in a confrontation with Bears safety Kevin Byard following a play, and while that war of words didn’t escalate further, Eskridge later joined in on a shoving match between Dolphins center Aaron Brewer and Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Fellow receiver Tyreek Hill — who didn’t practice due to a minor oblique injury — had to forcefully remove Eskridge from the fracas.
It was during that scrum that head coach Mike McDaniel got involved — entering the fray to yell at his players to stop the physical altercation.
Newly reacquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick spoke on McDaniel’s involvement in the situation:
I think it’s very dangerous. We need our head coach, you know what I’m saying? We don’t want him to get hurt, so I appreciate it, but I think we could get them separated ourselves.
In a separate incident, Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks was seen clashing with an unknown teammate on Miami’s sideline. The two players had to be separated — with defensive tackle Zach Sieler getting involved at one point.
On one hand, you love to see the passion and fire from the teams, but on the other, there is worry and concern for unnecessary injuries due to fighting between the clubs. Let’s hope that both the Dolphins and Bears can keep their dispositions in check as the two teams gear up for their first official preseason snaps of the 2025 NFL season coming on Sunday.
