The Miami Dolphins will ramp up their preseason activities on Saturday night as they face the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium. Unlike their first exhibition match against the Atlanta Falcons, where many starters sat out, the Dolphins plan to feature several key players this time around.
Fans can expect to see quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, running back Raheem Mostert, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and first-round draft pick edge rusher Chop Robinson in action. Head coach Mike McDaniel noted that while he wants some starters to play, specific decisions will be made by the coaching staff as to who will take the field.
However, Tagovailoa’s top receivers, Jaylen Waddle and newcomer Odell Beckham Jr., remain sidelined due to injuries, raising concerns about Beckham, who has yet to participate in practice since joining the team for $3 million.
As for the duration of the starters’ playtime, it is uncertain, but they are expected to participate in a few series during the first half. Following their time on the field, the focus will shift to players competing for final roster spots.
In the ongoing discussion about the preseason schedule, the push to reduce the number of exhibition games in favor of an 18th regular season matchup continues.
In the game, Jason Sanders missed a 49-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter after the Dolphins advanced into Commanders territory. Miami initially took a 13-6 lead with a 33-yard field goal from Sanders, set up by a 59-yard run from Chris Brooks, who left the game after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit.
Just before halftime, a 38-yard field goal by Riley Patterson brought the Commanders within 10-6. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross expressed confidence in Tagovailoa’s performance, emphasizing the importance of retaining young talent like him and Waddle.
The Dolphins established an early lead at 7-0 with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa to River Cracraft on a fourth-and-one play. Tagovailoa completed his first five passes, demonstrating effective leadership in guiding the team down the field.
For the Commanders, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, selected second overall in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, started the game and successfully moved the team into Dolphins territory, although a missed 49-yard field goal halted their drive.
Dolphins fans will anticipate the first glimpse of Tagovailoa in preseason play. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. on August 17 at Hard Rock Stadium, with coverage available on various local channels and streaming options.