MIAMI GARDENS — Each preseason NFL teams attempt to walk the fine line of getting reps for their starters at the expense of a possible injury.

Especially at quarterback.

That's where the Miami Dolphins are with two preseason games remaining. None of the starters played Friday against Atlanta, but expect that to change Saturday when Washington comes to Hard Rock Stadium.

And although Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa isn't revealing any secrets, when he says he "hopes" to play that likely means he will play.

"It's always good for for any of us, whether you're a vet or whether you're new, to get some reps, get back into the pre-game routine, get back into what it feels like to prepare, getting ready for a game. All of that," Tagovailoa said after Tuesday's practice.

"(Then) get into game-like situations, getting hit — hopefully not, but you never know when you're out there. The mental gymnastics of (preparing) going into a game."

The decision, Tagovailoa said, is "a mutual thing." But it's the job of the organization, and coach Mike McDaniel, to protect their players.

"(McDaniel) gets with the leaders, guys who have established themselves, and guys who have earned the respect of the guys in the locker room," Tagovailoa said. "Gets with those guys and has a conversation with them.

"So hopefully we do get that opportunity, it'll be good. This is our last one at home before we go to Tampa (August 23). And then we actually start the season."

Tagovailoa, who signed a record four-year, $212.4 million contract the first week of camp, played the final two of three preseason games a year ago. Very limited, but he played. And he was coming off a 2022 season in which injuries were a serious concern with Tagovailoa suffering two diagnosed concussions and possibly a third.

Tagovailoa played a total of 29 snaps against Houston and Jacksonville during the 2023 preseason. He was a combined 9 of 13 for 128 yards and one interception.

Odell Beckham remains sidelined with unknown ailment

One player we know is not playing is newly-acquired receiver Odell Beckham, who has yet to participate in a practice, only running sprints. Beckham remains on the active/PUP list and still does not have a timeline to return. The Dolphins have not revealed what is keeping him off the field.

Tagovailoa was asked how much time it takes to develop chemistry with someone like Beckham, with whom he has no history.

"I think in order for me, at least as a quarterback, to be able to create chemistry with someone, I got to see how they run routes," he said. "I got to see how they are on their breaks. Okay, this guy, I can't really, really zip the ball. I got to layer it a little because when he breaks out of his route it's not as fast as it is with Tyreek (Hill) or Jaylen (Waddle) on his out routes."

Tagovailoa's work with Beckham has been limited to stationary throws, not with Beckham running routes.

"Just him spot catching, getting to see the way the ball spins, get a feel of it," Tagovailoa said.

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As for now facing the dog days of training camp — the Dolphins are three weeks into camp and the season starts at home against Jacksonville Sept. 8 — Tagovailoa is trying to get from one day to the next by focusing on what has to be done after each practice and before the next.

That, and trying to beat the heat.

"You still got to get through this practice, you still got to get through this rep, you still got to get through this play, and I think that's sort of how you take it," he said. "So now that practice is over what's the next thing that I got to focus on? It's my nutrition, it's my weight room training, it's my conditioning. I think guys are pretty adamant about their routines."

Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and golf reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tua Tagovailoa sounds like he's playing in the Dolphins' next preseason game