The Miami Dolphins closed out the preseason with a 14-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium, setting the stage for final roster decisions ahead of the 53-man cut deadline.
Key takeaways from the game and the roster picture
– The Dolphins earned a solid win in the last tune-up, with standout performances from Malik Washington, Chop Robinson, Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb contributing to the victory.
– General manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel now face the task of trimming the roster to 53 players by Tuesday, August 26, with the cut-down window closing at 4 p.m.
– The front office has already signaled a shift in the roster, moving on from several veterans and adding Darren Waller at tight end. Notable departures include Terron Armstead, Calais Campbell, Raheem Mostert, Odell Beckham Jr., Jalen Ramsey and Jordan Poyer.
– Grier is looking for immediate impact from youngsters, notably Kenneth Grant (DT) and Jonah Savaiinaea (G), who could be key contributors early in the season.
Projected 53-man roster: a snapshot of positions and players
– Quarterbacks (3): Quinn Ewers is expected to be on the roster; two other spots are anticipated but not named in the projection.
– Wide receivers (6): Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Malik Washington, Dee Eskridge, Tahj Washington.
– Running backs (3): The team has moved on from Mostert and Wilson; the RB room is being reshaped with a focus on depth behind the top options. There are notes about a competition involving Wright for the second back, with practical timelines suggested by the coaches.
– Fullback (1): Alec Ingold.
– Offensive line (7): Armstead is moving on, with other veterans and younger players in the mix. Guard play is expected to feature Braeden Daniels and Jonah Savaiinaea; Liam Eichenberg is on the PUP list for now; Andrew Meyer is on injured reserve; the team could add a veteran tackle as the week progresses.
– Tight end (4): Darren Waller, Pharaoh Brown, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner.
– Defensive line (6): Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Benito Jones, Matt Dickerson, Zeek Biggers.
– Linebacker/Edge (9): Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay, Quinton Bell, Matthew Judon, K.J. Britt.
– Cornerback (6): Storm Duck, Kendall Sheffield, Mike Hilton, Jack Jones, Jason Marshall Jr., Cam Smith.
– Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Elijah Campbell, Patrick McMorris, Dante Trader Jr.
– Special Teams (3): Jason Sanders, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona.
Context and outlook
– The roster moves reflect a broader strategy to blend experienced players with young, versatile talents. The addition of Darren Waller gives the tight end room a proven playmaker, while departures of veterans signal a long-term recalibration.
– The Dolphins have already traded or moved on from players who were once central to the roster, including Jalen Ramsey and others, underscoring a focus on cap flexibility and a renewed depth chart.
– With the 53-man roster deadline looming, competition across several positions will intensify in the final days of camp, and some decisions could hinge on special-teams contributions and how quickly younger players adapt to NFL game speed.
Summary and takeaway
– The Dolphins made a clear statement by winning the preseason finale and signaling a transition toward a younger, more dynamic roster while maintaining enough veteran presence to stabilize key roles. The immediate impact players identified in the game, combined with the Waller addition, paint a hopeful picture for 2025 as the team aims to balance upside with proven production.
Additional value and perspective
– If you’re tracking training camp battles, pay attention to offensive line versatility and the guard/center combinations, as well as the receiver corps depth behind the top two stars. The team’s approach to handling IR-designated players and potential mid-week acquisitions could influence the final 53 more than any single preseason performance.
– For a positive spin, the Dolphins’ preseason performance and the early emergence of players like Washington and Chubb suggest a capable defense that can pressure the quarterback and create big-play opportunities, while the offense has a path to improved efficiency with Waller in the fold.
Note on tone
– The update reflects a forward-looking view tied to the cutdown deadline and the recent personnel moves, with an emphasis on growth potential and strategic direction rather than just results from a single preseason game.