The Washington Commanders hosted the Miami Dolphins for a joint practice at the team’s Ashburn facilities on Wednesday, marking the first time Washington worked against another team since their 2025 season finale. The session served as a major evaluation opportunity for both clubs ahead of their preseason opener at Northwest Stadium on Friday.
Commanders and Dolphins Meet in Ashburn Joint Practice
For the Dolphins, the Wednesday workout highlighted the youth and thin depth on the roster, according to si.com. Miami head coach Jeff Hafley noted that the team focused primarily on base offense and defense to emphasize fundamentals and technique. The Commanders enter the new campaign under head coach Dan Quinn, featuring new coordinators with David Blough directing the offense and Daronte Jones installing the defensive scheme following a 5-12 finish last year, according to Hogs Haven.
Offensive Performances and Quarterback Play
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels put together a sharp, efficient display, picking apart the Miami secondary with surgical precision and demonstrating comfort in the team’s scheme. During a late two-minute drill, Daniels completed passes to Stefon Diggs, Chig Okonkwo, and Treylon Burks while moving the offense effectively.
On the Miami side, rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas continued to build momentum as a perimeter weapon. The former Texas Tech standout, listed as a starter on the initial depth chart alongside veteran receivers Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert, recorded several explosive plays across one-on-one, seven-on-seven, and team periods according to team reports. Hafley noted that Douglas has earned his status through consistency, though the rookie has occasionally battled concentration drops when facing incoming safeties.
Defensive Highlights and Injury Updates
The Commanders’ defense generated the standout defensive moment of the day when defensive back Mike Sainristil intercepted a pass from Malik Willis and returned it for a touchdown, celebrating by punting the ball into the air before returning to the sideline. In the trenches, edge defender Chop Robinson logged productive reps and pressure against Washington’s line despite the absence of left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Both squads managed several roster limitations during the joint session:
- Zach Sieler: The Miami defensive tackle and team captain was sidelined due to an undisclosed injury and is listed as week-to-week, according to the Miami Herald.
- Nick Allegretti: Washington’s projected starting center sat out Wednesday’s practice and will miss the preseason opener, opening up snaps for backup options Julian Good-Jones and rookie Matt Gulbin, according to AOL.
- Dolphins Absences: Safeties Dante Trader Jr. and Lonnie Johnson Jr., cornerback JuJu Brents, pass rusher Clelin Ferrell, receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer, and tight end Ben Sims did not participate, according to the Miami Herald.
Preseason Outlook
The joint practice concluded with a final two-minute drive where the Commanders’ defense kept Miami out of the end zone, aided by a pressure from Odafe Oweh and strong play upfront to seal the session. Quinn has not yet announced whether Washington’s starters will see playing time in Friday’s preseason opener at Northwest Stadium.
