Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is expected to start against Atlanta on Friday. (US Presswire)

The Dolphins have looked anything but good through their first two preseason games. And with the third exhibition typically used as a dress rehearsal for the regular season and starters expected to play well into the third quarter, Miami first-teamers have a chance to make a statement. Here are three players to watch against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday:

1. QB Ryan Tannehill

The projected starter and eighth-overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft also got the nod last week against Carolina but didn’t look NFL ready as he completed 11 of 23 passes for 100 yards. The rookie has played little against first-team defenses, yet he hasn’t been consistent enough. Tannehill, however, has yet to turn the ball over through two exhibition games. A big performance against Atlanta’s starters will give the team and the fan base a needed jolt of excitement heading into the conclusion of the preseason.

2. CB Vontae Davis

The former first-round draft pick has fallen out favor during training camp with his lackadaisical work habits. He is only 24 years old and one of the most talented players on the roster but has recently been involved in trade rumors and suffered a demotion to nickelback during the preseason. Davis had 43 tackles and four interceptions last season and an improved effort against elite Falcons receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones would go a long way toward putting him back in the good graces of first-year coach Joe Philbin.

3. RT Jonathan Martin

The second-round selection from April’s draft was flagged for a holding penalty last week in Carolina after getting called for two false start penalties in his debut against Tampa Bay. He was criticized in film session this week and the team simply expects more from him. Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman said he wants to be more committed to running the ball so a balanced attack could help get Martin on track.

Injury update: WR Brian Hartline remains sidelined with a calf injury. Linebacker Karlos Dansby is expected to miss the game as he continues to recover from a knee ailment. Quarterback David Garrard is out with a knee injury. Linebacker Kevin Burnett also has been slowed by a back injury and his status is unknown.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.