Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley is planning to give quarterback Malik Willis game action Friday against the Commanders, and he said the team will sort out the final plan after evaluation and discussion.
Hafley made the comments Wednesday, Aug. 12, while speaking with a small group of reporters in Ashburn, Virginia, during a joint practice with Washington. He said the Dolphins wanted the work against another opponent because it offered a chance to test the group before the preseason opener.
“Everyone should be ready to play,” Hafley said.
Willis also appears to have made noticeable progress in his role with the offense this week. Hafley pointed to a stronger presence from the quarterback across the unit.
“I saw more leadership this week, not just with the wide receivers, but the whole offense,” he said. “And I think that’s a really big step and I’m really proud of him for that.
Hafley also said defensive lineman Zach Sieler is week to week and out Wednesday for Miami.
The coach addressed the addition of Caedan Wallace, saying the Dolphins brought him in for his ability to fill multiple roles and help create competition at both guard and tackle.
“The versatility, the ability to play guard and tackle, which you know we need some depth right now. We need competition for those spots right now.
And I think he brings both. And, you know, I think in our league, oftentimes, you know, a change of scenery, a fresh start is helpful.
And with the talent that he has and the versatility that he has, you know, we're hoping that a fresh start will help him.”
Hafley also explained why rookie Trey Moore has been working with the first-team linebackers. He said Moore has earned that look with the way he has handled multiple jobs.
“He’s done a really good job setting the edge,” Hafley said. “He can play inside the line can play outside linebacker at Sam.
And then he’s got the ability to rush. So he gives you a linebacker who can play all three downs.
He can play in zones. He’s good against the run.
And he’s got rush value to him. So we’ll see where he’s at.
But I like the way he’s practiced.”
As for the preseason approach, Hafley said the Dolphins don’t have a roster full of longtime veterans who can simply be eased through this part of camp.
“We’re young,” Hafley said. “So like when you say veterans, how many guys that we have that have been through this year after year?
It’s just not who we are as a team right now. I talked to the staff about that this morning, and in a perfect world, in these joint practices, you get your so called 22 starters, 30 to 35 reps, you give them tomorrow, walk through, and then they don’t really play very much.
But as you go through our team right now, there aren’t many of those guys. So we have to gain experience.”
Hafley also made clear the day would stay clean. No fights will be allowed, and anyone who throws a punch is done for the day.
“If there’s a punch thrown, they’re out,” Hafley said.
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