The Dolphins are kicking off their 2026 preseason tonight in Landover, Maryland, with a matchup against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Miami arrived Tuesday and got in a joint practice with Washington on Wednesday, and coach Jeff Hafley said everyone healthy is expected to play. That puts new quarterback Malik Willis in line to make his Dolphins debut.
Washington, though, is expected to hold out Jayden Daniels, according to NBC 4’s JP Finlay in Washington, D.C. Marcus Mariota would handle backup duties behind him. Daniels turned in a strong showing during the joint practice against Miami.
There will be at least one familiar face missing on the Commanders side. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil, a former Dolphin, had surgery to repair a torn triceps he suffered in training camp and is expected to miss most of the 2026 season.
Miami also has a few injury concerns of its own. Defensive lineman Zach Sieler is out against Washington and could miss a few weeks, while cornerback Chris Johnson did not take part in the joint practice. Other Dolphins who have been sidelined include Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman, Dante Trader and JuJu Brents.
The weather should be just about ideal for a preseason opener, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. and temperatures around 79 degrees at the start, dipping to about 76 by the end. For a South Florida group that has been dealing with record heat, the conditions in Virginia and Maryland have offered a welcome break.
7 p.m. ET | CBS Miami | WPTV | Fubo (free trial)
The Palm Beach Post will have live updates, scores and highlights throughout the game.
In Other News...
Dolphins Graphic Just Sparked A Jayden Daniels Debate Before Kickoff
A preseason graphic is usually the sort of thing that disappears into the timeline, but the Miami Dolphins managed to stir up a little extra noise before kickoff by featuring rookie running back Jaylen Wright in No. 5. For Washington fans, that number immediately lands differently because it belongs to Jayden Daniels, and the image arrived just as his jersey situation has been under a microscope thanks to LSU reassigning No. 5 after his departure.
Miami has not said the graphic was aimed at Daniels, and there is no confirmation it was meant as anything more than a standard game-day post. Still, the timing was enough to get fans talking about whether it was a subtle jab or just an awkward coincidence, which is the kind of preseason subplot that can take on a life of its own when a star quarterback is already in the middle of a number-related controversy. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Face An Early Defensive Problem With Dorance Armstrong Out
The NFL handed down four suspensions this week, and the one that matters most in Washington is Dorance Armstrongs. The Commanders defensive end, expected to be part of the edge-rushing mix, will be unavailable when the regular season opens after the league announced a one-game suspension tied to personal conduct violations.
For a team trying to settle its defensive rotation early, losing Armstrong even briefly creates another adjustment on the front line. The league did not publicly detail the underlying conduct, leaving Washington to manage the absence without much clarity beyond the ruling itself, and the timing only adds to the pressure of getting the defense organized before the first game counts. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Cornerback Question Now Centers On A Familiar Name
The Commanders spent the offseason adding Stefon Diggs, but the more immediate concern now sits on the other side of the ball, where cornerback depth remains a question heading into training camp. With Washington looking for veteran help in the secondary, a familiar name has surfaced in the conversation and gives the team a potential link to one of its biggest new arrivals.
Trevon Diggs is available as a free agent, and his track record makes him an obvious fit to at least consider if Washington wants to shore up the room before camp opens. The connection to Stefon would make the fit even more interesting, but for the Commanders the real appeal is simpler: a proven cornerback who could help stabilize a position group that still needs reinforcements. [Read more 🡒]