Quarterback David Garrard practiced Monday for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery nearly a month ago.

Garrard warmed up with the team, went through early drills and threw some passes, but he did not participate in either 7-on-7 or full-team drills Monday.

“They didn’t want me to, and I didn’t feel like I was quite ready to move with guys flying around me,” Garrard said. “But I feel good. I know I’m not quite exactly where I want to be, but it felt good just being back out there, realizing I can still drop and do all of those things.”

Garrard’s health could be the deciding factor in whether the Dolphins keep him or Matt Moore as the Dolphins’ backup. The Dolphins very much value Garrard but want to make sure he’s healthy. It’s possible they could begin the season with Garrard and Moore on the roster, though that would mean guaranteeing both contracts for the rest of the season.

The Dolphins listed Garrard as their fourth-team quarterback in Monday’s depth chart, but that is more a reflection of his uncertain health than his ability.

“That’s a dangerous position to play,” Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said. “You’re kind of exposed out there. It was good to see him out on the field. We’ll see where he is as we move forward throughout the week.”

This and that

• Even with the addition of Anthony Armstrong, offensive coordinator Mike Sherman made clear Monday that he believes receiver remains a concern.

“It’s a work in progress and will continue to be until we have solved that problem,” Sherman said. “I wouldn’t say it’s been solved. We’re working toward it. It’s got to be better for us to be successful.”

• The Dolphins ranked 27th and 29th in takeaways the past two seasons, and “we haven’t changed it yet,” defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said. “I’m disappointed. I don’t think another team spends more time on ball security or takeaways.”

• Offensive linemen Jake Long (knee) and John Jerry (leg) sat out practice while linebackers Karlos Dansby (knee) and Kevin Burnett (back) returned. The Dolphins hope Long can play Sunday. If he doesn’t, Nate Garner and Will Yeatman are likely options. Guard Artis Hicks also can play tackle.

• Philbin said the Dolphins might add more help on defense. On Monday, they worked out former Falcons cornerback Dominique Franks, who had two interceptions in 14 games for Atlanta last season, including four starts.

• Philbin, who was not permitted by the Packers to take any assistant coaches with him from Green Bay, has not added any former Packers players, either. “We’ve investigated some players from Green Bay, but it just hasn’t worked out necessarily,” he said.

• Texans defensive end J.J. Watt told The Houston Chronicle that he has picked up the Dolphins’ snap counts by watching HBO’s Hard Knocks. ... Marcus Thigpen was listed as the first-team kick and punt returner on Monday’s depth chart. … Philbin said the team needed to repeat some plays during Monday’s practice and “we need to have a better practice on Wednesday.”