LANDOVER, Md. — The Miami Dolphins played their starters in their preseason opener, and the first-team offense found the end zone.
Starting quarterback Malik Willis and running back De’Von Achane combined to orchestrate a 14-play, 93 yard touchdown drive while rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas made a highlight-reel catch during the initial series in the Dolphins’ exhibition against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Willis was 4 of 5 for 43 yards against the Washington second-team defense. Achane had seven carries for 39 yards and punched in a 1-yard touchdown behind the starting left side of the Miami offensive line.
Douglas hauled in a 28-yard pass from Willis with one hand as he fought through pass interference from the Commanders’ Antonio Hamilton Sr. Willis’ lone incompletion went to Douglas, who was open with space in front of the sideline but stuck his left foot out too far and was out of bounds. Willis’ other three completions went to third-year slot receiver Malik Washington.
The Dolphins started the series backed up at their own 7-yard line because running back Jaylen Wright muffed the opening kickoff and linebacker Tyrel Dodson was called for a hold.
The Dolphins started with Willis, Achane, Douglas, Washington, tight end Will Kacmarek and fullback DJ Herman, along with the first-team offensive line of, from left to right, Patrick Paul, Kadyn Proctor, Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea and Austin Jackson.
Dolphins defensive starters were: Chop Robinson, Josh Uche, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Trey Moore, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay, Chris Johnson, Jason Marshall Jr., Zayne Anderson, Michael Taaffe.
Johnson, the rookie cornerback, was in uniform pregame after missing Wednesday’s joint practice for unknown reasons.
Dolphins players who sat were mainly the ones known to be dealing with injuries in training camp, although linebacker Jordyn Brooks did not play and is not known to be injured. Along with defensive tackle Zach Sieler, safety Dante Trader Jr., cornerback JuJu Brents, defensive end Clelin Ferrell, wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr., offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer, tight end Ben Sims were among those not dressed.
The Commanders did not play most starters in Friday’s exhibition. That list of players either resting or injured included: quarterback Jayden Daniels, running backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White, wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, defensive linemen Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, linebackers Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson and Frankie Luvu and their entire starting secondary.
This story will be updated.