It wasn’t but just a few months ago that Miami Dolphins fans were thrilled at the prospect that Miami’s linebacking group included former 2nd-round draft selection Raekwon McMillan. After missing his entire rookie season, McMillan started to stack together strong performances in the second half of the 2018 season — enough to build some enthusiasm and optimism about his presence on the field.

Today? Injury has cast McMillan out of action — but McMillan has a bigger problem on his hands than recovering from injury. Former CFL linebacker Sam Eguavoen is playing well and making a strong case to serve as a starter for Miami.

And remember — the Dolphins are going to spend a lot of time in sub-packages on defense, featuring extra cornerbacks and safeties in an effort to counter the spacing issues today’s NFL offenses present.

Which leaves McMillan potentially on the outside looking in, even when he’s healthy.

Eguavoen played the role of a man possessed against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, flashing early on a forced fumble as he drove downhill against a shallow pass inside Tampa territory. This quickness, sure tackling and angle Eguavoen took to the football all stand out — it was a strong play in space. And Miami is going to ask their defenders to make a lot of those in 2019. Between Eguavoen’s strong performance against Tampa and Brian Flores’ decision to push McMillan with Eguavoen earlier in camp, the CFL linebacker has a strong case to stay on the field.

“(Coach Brian Flores) knows I’m a good player. It’s just that I need to unleash the beast. I need to play fearless out there,” said Eguavoen after Friday’s contest.

“I had my first NFL game ever last week, so coming into this week I just write on my walls – just play fearless. It’s football. There’s 11 people out there, so I have 10 other defenders who have my back, so I’m taking my shots.”

Another strong performance this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars will almost certainly lock the former Texas Tech linebacker into the starting lineup when Miami hosts Baltimore next month.