TAMPA — The Miami Dolphins don't figure to play many starters in Friday night's third and final preseason game.

But the third preseason game has never really been about such players as Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Terron Armstead and Jalen Ramsey.

We don't know how long the NFL will even continue with three preseason games. But Dolphins at Buccaneers at 7:30 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium does mean something very important to a handful of players.

"You do have to create some competitive environments to really assess who the 53 and the 69 are," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said of the roster. "There’s several years that stand out that the third and fourth preseason game are the reason why long-tenured players in our organization were there to stay."

It's not entirely unfair to suggest that Skylar Thompson's future, for example, may be entirely intertwined with how he performs in this game. Thompson has had plenty of opportunities to work ahead of veteran Mike White throughout training camp.

Does he win the backup job to Tua? Does he land back on Miami's practice squad?

Is he waived and claimed by another NFL team?

"Whatever is at stake for the day, I’m going to attack the day and win the day, whatever that may consist of," Thompson said in Tampa on Wednesday. "I know it’s a great opportunity for me and a lot of guys."

Dolphins vs. Buccaneers: Skylar Thompson or Mike White?

A backup quarterback must earn the confidence of his teammates because, let's face it, when he's in the game it's largely an adverse situation.

"I need to see them handle and earn the respect and regard of their teammates by the way they handle things and find ways to do positive things for their job in the midst of turmoil," McDaniel said.

Five hard Miami Dolphins 53-man roster decisions

QB: Mike White or Skylar Thompson: This really could come down to Friday night. White, 29, has 14 games played, including seven starts. Thompson, 27, has seven games played and two starts. Thompson is more mobile and has a stronger arm. They've been about even, and not great, in the preseason. If they are even, perhaps Miami rolls with White and hopes to keep Thompson on the practice squad.

WR: Eriz Ezukanma or Malik Washington: An injury to River Cracraft may clear the way for both. And if Odell Beckham Jr. begins the season on the physically unable to perform list that could clearly also pave a path for both. They're entirely different players. Ezukanma has emerged recently and he's bigger and stronger. Washington, the rookie, is slippery but has been inconsistent.

RB: Jeff Wilson or Chris Brooks: Another spot where ideally Miami would keep both players. But it may not be possible. Brooks has enticing potential and is younger. Wilson is tenacious and has a long history with McDaniel. But clearly both backs are behind Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright. Can Miami really afford to keep five running backs?

Interior OL: If and when Aaron Brewer returns to play center, that could put Liam Eichenberg in a battle with Jack Driscoll at right guard. We can't imagine Isaiah Wynn is on the radar since he's been entirely off the radar. Is Robert Jones entrenched at left guard? This is a spot where Miami could, and probably should, add a veteran. But if they don't, do they find a spot for Lester Cotton, Andrew Meyer, Chasen Hines or Matthew Jones? Again, we see a veteran addition in the future.

Final roster spots on D/special teams: Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman is going to have a few words about spots 51-53 on Miami's roster. Does he bang the table for any two or three of these players: LB Duke Riley, LB Quinton Bell, LB Channing Tindall, LB Anthony Walker, LB Curtis Bolton, S Elijah Campbell, S Patrick McMorris, CB Ethan Bonner, CB Jason Maitre, CB Storm Duck, S Jordan Colbert or CB Isaiah Johnson? You have to figure we'll see all or most of these players Friday night.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

Friday's game

Dolphins at Buccaneers

7:30 p.m., NBC, ABC, MeTV, by subscription on NFL+, YouTube

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins roster, depth chart decisions; Tampa Bay Bucs game