Cam Miller Steps Up in Giants Preseason Game
Miami Dolphins quarterback Cam Miller said he "felt good" after seeing extended action in Saturday's preseason matchup against the New York Giants. With Quinn Ewers sidelined by a groin injury and Malik Willis expected to play only a series, Miller took the bulk of the snaps — a golden opportunity to stake his claim for the team's third quarterback role.
Miller's performance wasn't flashy, but it was steady, completing passes and moving the offense against a Giants defense that mixed starters with backups. For a player who struggled in the preseason opener against the Commanders, this outing was a step in the right direction.
"I felt good out there," Miller said after the game, per the Palm Beach Post. "Just trying to take advantage of every rep, every opportunity."
The Dolphins are evaluating their quarterback room closely, and Miller's showing gives coaches something to consider as roster cuts loom.
The Stakes: A Roster Spot and a Potential NFL Future
The battle for the Dolphins' QB3 job is more nuanced than it appears. With the NFL's expanded practice squad rules, teams often keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster, making the third spot a practice squad designation. Miller and undrafted rookie Mark Gronowski are competing not just for a spot in Miami but for a chance to impress other NFL teams.
Gronowski, who was waived before the Commanders game and re-signed, got his first NFL action against the Giants. He showed flashes of mobility and arm strength but also the typical rookie inconsistencies. Miller, a more experienced camp arm, entered the competition with a slight edge but needed to prove he could perform under game pressure.
According to Phin Phanatic, Miller's practice performances have been "inconsistent," and his preseason debut was forgettable. Saturday's game was his chance to reset the narrative.
"There is a shift from three quarterbacks to two," the report noted, "as the NFL has made it easier to use practice squad players if needed." That means Miller isn't just fighting for a roster spot — he's fighting for visibility across the league.
The Gronowski Factor
Gronowski's presence complicates Miller's path. The undrafted rookie out of South Dakota State has a unique skill set, but he remains an unknown at the NFL level. Against the Giants, he showed enough mobility to keep plays alive, but also displayed decision-making that needs refinement.
Miller, by contrast, is more polished as a traditional pocket passer. He reads defenses better and has a quicker release. However, his inconsistency has been a concern, and the Dolphins' coaching staff, led by Jeff Hafley, will weigh the upside of Gronowski's athleticism against Miller's reliability.
The Dolphins' decision will come down to who offers more as an emergency third-string option. With Willis and Ewers ahead, the QB3 is unlikely to see regular-season action unless disaster strikes. But the team wants someone who can step in without a major drop-off.
Beyond Miami: Auditioning for the Rest of the NFL
Even if Miller or Gronowski doesn't make Miami's 53-man roster, their preseason tape is a resume for other teams. The NFL is always looking for quarterback depth, and a strong showing in August can lead to a practice squad gig elsewhere or even a midseason signing.
Miller's performance against the Giants wasn't spectacular, but it was competent — and in the preseason, that's often enough. He showed he can manage a game, take hits, and lead a drive. Those are qualities scouts from other teams will note.
The broader trend across the league is the devaluation of the third quarterback role. With the emergency QB rule and expanded practice squads, teams are less willing to carry a third arm on the active roster. That makes these preseason reps even more critical for players like Miller, who need to maximize every snap to stay on the NFL radar.
What This Means for the Dolphins
The Dolphins' quarterback room is set with Willis and Ewers as the top two. The real competition is for the final spot — a decision that could come down to the wire. Miller's solid showing against the Giants gives the coaching staff a reason to keep him around, but Gronowski's potential is tantalizing.
As the Dolphins prepare for their final preseason game, the competition between Miller and Gronowski will be the subplot to watch. For Miller, every throw matters. For the team, it's about finding the best insurance policy behind their starters.
In a league where quarterback depth is always in demand, Miller's performance this weekend could be the difference between a career in Miami or a ticket to the waiver wire. He knows the stakes.
"I'm just trying to show them what I can do," Miller said. "Whatever happens, I want to put good tape out there."
With roster cuts just days away, that tape will be evaluated not just by the Dolphins but by every team looking for a signal-caller. Miller's name may not be in the headlines, but his preseason journey is a reminder of how fragile NFL dreams can be — and how one good game can change everything.
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