The Facts: The Dolphins signed Howard, a 25-year-old with four years in the NFL, because they need a running back focused on positive yards. Howard, who has been training in Aventura, says the Dolphins made no promises about any role. Another running back is likely to be added in the NFL Draft next month. “I’m not scared of competition,” Howard said. “Competition makes you better.” One thing Howard battled last season was a shoulder injury. For a while he really struggle to re-gain strength in the shoulder. “I’m back to 100 percent now,” Howard said. “It took a while, but I’m finally back to being 100 percent.”

Diehards Line: Howard ran for 1,313 yards and 1,122 yards in his first two seasons with the Bears. He regressed in his third season and was dealt to the Eagles. Howard had 4.4 yards per carry last season, which was just above his career average. Howard, a former fifth rounder from Indiana, has 30 rushing touchdowns in four NFL seasons. “The more I played I felt like this was the best style for me,” Howard said. “It worked the best for me. I’m not a make-you-miss guy. I can make people miss sometimes but that’s not really my game. So I stick to what I know.” The Dolphins will likely be fine with that.