CAMP BATTLES

Daniel Thomas remains in the lead in the competition for the No. 2 running back job behind Reggie Bush, with Steve Slaton currently running ahead of Lamar Miller for the No. 3 job.

Thomas, Bush and Miller have all had good moments in the first two days of camp. Miller has flashed dynamic skills in the open field throughout the offseason program. Thomas ripped off two long runs Saturday but also dropped a pass.

Asked if he prefers a featured back or a running back by committee, coach Joe Philbin said: “I’m not locked into one guy carrying the ball 23 times and the next guy carrying it seven. You want a guy to touch the football X-amount of times because those guys have a higher chance of getting yourself a big play, but I’m not locked into any one formula.”

OF NOTE

• Philbin said receiver Chad Johnson “has been impressive. He’s very serious. He’s very passionate about what he does. We like his work ethic, the energy, the enthusiasm that he brings.”

• Some defensive highlights from Saturday: There has finally been a Tyrell Johnson sighting. The former Vikings safety, who has done little of note since being signed in the spring, made an impressive breakup of a pass from David Garrard to Charles Clay. … Linebacker Jason Trusnik got an interception when Pat Devlin’s pass bounced off the hands of Michael Egnew. … Cornerback Nolan Carroll forced a drop by Legedu Naanee on a pass from Matt Moore. … A reverse to Johnson was stopped by Jared Odrick for a loss.

• The Dolphins said they will start practicing in pads Sunday, though Philbin added: “We’re going to pick our spots.”

• The Dolphins and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce will host a 2012 Kickoff Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 28 at Jungle Island. The $125 admission includes lunch with a Dolphins player, alum or coach (at least one will be seated at each table) and a lower-level ticket to the Sept. 16 home opener against Oakland. Philbin will give the keynote address, and the event will also include player question-and-answer sessions and a silent auction. To buy a ticket, call 305-577-5451.

PLAY OF THE DAY

Two passes, both from Garrard. One was a bullet to Julius Pruitt, who made a terrific 25-yard catch against double coverage ( Vontae Davis, Tyrone Culver). On another, Garrard showed deft touch by lofting a pass over Jimmy Wilson and into Clay’s hands.

QUOTABLE

Philbin on Chad Johnson: “He certainly wants to let the quarterback know when he’s open.”

TRAINING CAMP

The Dolphins have 13 remaining training camp practices, all open to the public. Ten of the 13 will be held at 8:40 a.m. at the team’s Nova Southeastern University training facility in Davie, including Sunday’s session. Admission and parking are free at all practices.

Parking is available at the Nova Southeastern University Medical School garage, located near the intersection of University Drive and SW 30th Street, between Griffin Road and I-595.

Practice times are subject to change, and fans are not permitted to attend if rain forces practice to be held inside the team’s bubble. For the most updated information, call the Dolphins practice hotline at 954-452-7004.

BARRY JACKSON

Practice dates and times

Sunday 8:40 a.m.

Monday 8:40 a.m.

Wednesday 8:40 a.m.

Thursday 8:40 a.m.

Friday 8:40 a.m.

*Saturday 9:15 a.m.

Aug. 6 8:40 a.m.

Aug. 7 8:40 a.m.

Aug. 8 6:25 p.m.

Aug. 9 8:40 a.m.

**Aug. 12 1:40 p.m.

Aug. 13 8:40 a.m.

Aug. 14 8:40 a.m.

Aug. 15 8:40 a.m.

*at Sun Life Stadium

**Season ticket

member only