By Tony Moss, NFL Editor -- (Sports Network) - Intrigue at the quarterback position will pervade Dolphin Stadium on Saturday night, when the Miami Dolphins play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the preseason opener for each team.

The Dolphins and new head coach Tony Sparano, who will be making his sideline debut with the team, have a major decision to make in regard to who will appear under center when the 2008 season begins.

Veteran journeyman Josh McCown will open Saturday's contest, but second-year- pro John Beck and rookie Chad Henne (Michigan) are also part of the discussion for signal-calling chores. Also, there has been rampant speculation in recent days that the Dolphins will make a play for recently-released quarterback Chad Pennington, who was drafted by current Miami Vice President Bill Parcells when the latter was part of the Jets organization.

Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, the team's inability to secure the services of Brett Favre earlier this week, coupled with a nagging calf injury that will keep starter Jeff Garcia on the shelf Saturday, has created some doubt at the position.

Luke McCown - brother of Miami's Josh - will get the start for the Buccaneers on Saturday, and veteran Brian Griese, ex-starter Chris Simms, and rookie Josh Johnson are also listed on the depth chart at the position. All four quarterbacks are expected to see some time on Saturday.

The work of both running games will also be worth keeping an eye on Saturday night.

The Dolphins suffered numerous injuries at the running back position last year, but are counting on Ronnie Brown (knee) and Ricky Williams (pectoral) to re-emerge as healthy pieces of the attack. Brown will be a game-time decision on Saturday, but Williams is expected to be in the lineup.

Helping to pave the way for the backs will be No. 1 overall draft pick and tackle Jake Long (Michigan), who will make his first formal appearance as a Dolphin on Saturday.

In a crowded Tampa Bay backfield, the newly re-signed Earnest Graham, fellow holdover Michael Bennett, and prodigal son Warrick Dunn should all garner carries against the Dolphins.

Dunn, a first-round draft pick of the Bucs in 1997, is back with the team after six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Former starter Cadillac Williams is still rehabilitating a knee injury suffered last season and may not be available during the preseason.

Miami holds a 14-8 edge in the all-time preseason series with Tampa Bay, but was a 31-28 home loser when the clubs squared off prior to last season.