Preparations for the real deal begin in earnest

While many of you are having a relaxing Labor Day by the grill, the Dolphins are preparing for the start of their regular season.

And things are truly different.

Ronnie Brown wasn't returning kicks in practice. So much for that preseason head game.

Anthony Alabi, the preseason starting right tackle, was working with the scout team today. L.J. Shelton is back to his starting role at right tackle, where he is still not a great player but simply the best Miami has right now.

"We still need to get more out of him," coach Cam Cameron told me today.

Cameron has confirmed what I wrote last week about the running back competition: Brown and Jesse Chatman will share the load this year, regardless of which one starts from week to week. In that regard, the committee meeting of the Dolphins running attack is in session.

"You need two backs in this business," Cameron said. "You can't interpret that as a negative. But you'll see both those backs in a game."

For those of you worried about the fact the Dolphins only kep two tight ends on the roster, Cameron points out that the third tackle -- Alabi -- will serve as a tight end that can report eligible.

"We've got more tight ends than you're going to see on the depth chart," Cameron said. "We're not going to throw it to 'em."

Finally, Joey Porter is very much on track to play Sunday against the Redskins.

With the exceptions of cornerback Andre' Goodman and rookie Drew Mormino, who is slated for shoulder surgery soon and is out for the year, the Dolphins are healthy.