Jeff Hafley: Quinn Ewers' groin injury could affect his preseason evaluation

The Miami Dolphins' new coaching staff is working with a smaller sample size on rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, and his groin injury is a big reason why.

Ewers has been limited by the groin issue at the worst possible time — the back half of camp and the preseason evaluation window, when the staff is forming its opinions on the depth chart. Hafley's comments, made during his Thursday morning presser, suggest the injury is more than a minor footnote in how the team views the young passer.

The setback comes as Ewers competes for the backup job or even push Malik Willis for the starting job. Miami has leaned on Malik Willis in recent joint work, and with Ewers sidelined, the staff has fewer live reps to gauge the rookie against NFL-caliber pressure. Hafley stressed the importance of getting a clean look at Ewers before the regular season, but the clock is working against that aim.