WitP: Ikaika Ascends? Manuwai Excels, Samson Back

Ikaika Alama-Francis practiced with the first team today, which may or may not mean anything.

There may be a battle brewing at strong-side linebacker for the Miami Dolphins.

Ikaika Alama-Francis, coming off a five-tackle showing in Friday’s preseason loss to the Falcons, got some work with the first unit during Sunday’s practice inside the bubble.

Koa Misi, the second-rounder who has started the first three preseason games, worked some with the second unit but also took first-team reps as well, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said.

“We’re looking at him there right now,” Sparano said of IAF, who just keeps impressing as he gets used to his new position. “Not necessarily a change, and it might even just include that Ike was in that group and we’re maybe looking at Koa as well. …

Vince Manuwai needed to have a good game against the Bucs on Saturday, and looks like he did.

Game ball #1 Offensive guard Vince Manuwai- This was an enormous game for the native of Hawaii and he came up bigger than his giant calves. Manuwai started at right guard and played extremely well- well enough to win his starting job. The Jaguars finally broke the century mark in rushing, and Manuwai was a big reason for it.

And some good news as Samson Satele is healthy enough to come back to practice, but some bad news as his starting position is no longer secure.

Q: Samson, when he comes back if he’s healthy, will he get his job back, and go right back in, or is that something you want to look at a little bit longer between him and Jared Veldheer?

Coach Cable: No, I want to look at. There were a few things from last night’s game that I wasn’t pleased with but there were also a lot of good things at the center position. I think the fact that Samson is back and ready to go from the injury, that is the most important thing.