Five storylines to watch as the Miami Dolphins visit the Washington Commanders for joint practice
The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders will lock horns on Wednesday for a joint practice session. Here are the storylines to watch.
The next phase of the 2026 NFL preseason is upon us. The Washington Commanders will play host to the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday morning for a joint practice session between the two franchises.
This season marks two different teams at two different junctures: Miami is starting from square one. And Dan Quinn, after a sensational 2024 season, is facing a potential hot-season season after a disappointing 2025. Washington spent big in free agency to level up their defense. Miami? They’re setting an NFL record for the most dead cap in a single season. But both teams have the same goal for their joint practice session. Squeeze every bit of preparation out of this opportunity ahead of the season to come. Here are five major storylines to watch between these two squads.
Five storylines to watch as Miami Dolphins visit Washington Commanders for joint practice
A revamped Commanders front seven vs. the Dolphins offensive line
“The Commanders’ front seven looks great on paper and reports from camp are encouraging. I really want to see what Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Daron Payne, and the Commanders linebackers can do against the Dolphins offense. The front seven has a chance to be both dynamic and versatile with all the pieces in place. This is a good first test to get the ball rolling, here.” — A to Z Sports Washington’s Evan Winter
“This one cuts both ways. Miami’s best chance for a true offensive strength lies in the offensive line, where Aaron Brewer, first-round pick Kadyn Proctor, and Patrick Paul anchor the left side. Will a rejuvenated Jonah Savaiinaea further fuel the hope for growth? This is probably the main serving when Miami has the ball.” — A to Z Sports Miami’s Kyle Crabbs
Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis handling Daronte Jones’ pressure looks
“Miami’s offensive future can belong to Willis…depending on how he plays this season. He’s seen plenty of late pressure looks from Jeff Hafley’s defense over the last two weeks. Now? He get to try someone else’s defense on for size. Will Jones throw the kitchen sink at the young, first-time starter? And what answers will Willis be able to find? This is a big moment of clarity for Willis’ summer — as he’s been improving over the course of camp against Miami’s defense.” — A to Z Sports Miami’s Kyle Crabbs
Commanders secondary against an inexperienced Dolphins WR room
“The Commanders secondary boasts a familiar face for Miami in Rasul Douglas. He’s really helped stabilize the room, especially after Trey Amos suffered another injury in Saturday’s practice. Even though there are plenty of questions surrounding the Commanders secondary, it should be able to hold down what is probably the worst WR corps in the NFL (with all due respect).” — A to Z Sports Washington’s Evan Winter
“Methinks Evan is about to get introduced to the legend of Malik Washington! In all seriousness, Miami’s group has some explosiveness and Washington should look like a totally different receiver. He and Caleb Douglas were placed atop the wide receiver depth chart that Miami assembled earlier this week — and there’s a chance for success there. But the group isn’t deep, which could present some problems. Watch out for AJ Henning with the bottom of the roster players, though. He’s had a nice camp.” — A to Z Sports Miami’s Kyle Crabbs
Miami’s young cornerbacks versus the duo of Terry McLaurin & Stefon Diggs
“Call me a sicko but I was thrilled to see Washington sign Diggs for this exact opportunity. Miami’s young corners need to grow up in a hurry and the likes of McLaurin and Diggs leave few places to hide. Rookie cornerback Chris Johnson has been up and down during the one-on-ones but his team period work has been very promising thus far. Jason Marshall Jr. will have a big opportunity with veteran corner JuJu Brents not expected to practice.” — A to Z Sports Miami’s Kyle Crabbs
Banged-up Commanders OL vs. an underrated Dolphins front seven
“Laremy Tunsil’s tricep injury is easily the worst development of Commanders training camp so far. The Commanders are moving Brandon Coleman back to left tackle, where he played his rookie year, but it remains to be seen how effective he is from the jump. That, along with starting center Nick Allegretti’s injury, creates a very interesting dynamic against an underrated Dolphins defensive front that has some key pieces in place.” — A to Z Sports Washington’s Evan Winter
“I’m hopeful that Miami is going to get after the Commanders up front. Chop Robinson has looked like a different player through the first two weeks of camp. The flashes from Jordan Phillips in the A-gaps could prove problematic for the Commanders’ center situation, too. Kenneth Grant gets a big showcase opportunity as a former first-round pick, too. Shoot — let’s put Zach Sieler on Sam Cosmi and let the wily vets go at it, too.” — A to Z Sports Miami’s Kyle Crabbs
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