Dolphins news: Malik Willis needs reps vs Commanders

The Miami Dolphins visit the Washington Commanders on Friday night to kick off the preseason for both teams. The three-game preseason always sparks debates about how much playing time starters should get, especially in the first game. Some teams sit the entire top of their depth chart. Some teams play select starters. And some teams put everyone out there for a short period before moving on to the developmental players.

For the Dolphins, a team in a rebuild full of younger players who need to prove themselves and veterans hoping to spark a career rebound, the debate is lively, but we do have some indication of their plan for the starters. Quarterback Malik Willis, signed as a free agent in the offseason, is expected to start.

The Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad seems to think that is a good plan, because Willis, a 2022 third-round pick of the Tennessee Titans who spent the last two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, is essentially one of those younger players who needs to prove himself.

This is the fifth NFL season for Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, but as coach Jeff Hafley correctly notes, “It’s like his rookie year …”

That’s because Willis has made only six career starts.

You can check out the rest of that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

Dolphins QB Malik Willis needs these preseason reps at Washington – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
This is the fifth NFL season for Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, but as coach Jeff Hafley correctly notes, “It’s like his rookie year …” That’s because Willis has made only six career starts.

Dolphins preseason game at Commanders

Willis (Yes) Headlines 10 Players to Watch in 2026 Dolphins Preseason Opener – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The 2026 draft picks and selected veterans will be in the spotlight against the Washington Commanders

The two dozen Dolphins players I want to see vs. Washington, and why – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The Dolphins play their preseason opener on Friday, which means it’s finally time to take our overreactions to the next level.

I’m joking. But not really.

NFL preseason 2026: Eight teams that need August reps the most, from Dolphins to Browns – Jordan Dajani, CBS Sports
From high-stakes quarterback battles in Cleveland to massive roster overhauls in Miami, eight teams have the most at stake this NFL preseason

Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman Issues Statement on ‘Conflict of Interest’ Concerns Over Dolphins Role, Draws Tom Brady Comparison – Nilaav Ranjan Gogoi, Essentially Sports
When NFL legend Tom Brady became a minority stake owner of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 after joining Fox Sports as a lead analyst in 2022, there were concerns around a conflict of interest and competitive biasness around Brady. A similar situation has befallen Troy Aikman as the former NFL star and veteran broadcaster heads into the 2026 season.

Dolphins rookies

How Miami Dolphins Rookie Trey Moore Climbed on the Depth Chart (And What Are Fair Expectations for 2026) – Jake Gibson, Miami Dolphins on SI
Moore was the seventh of 13 selections the Dolphins made in the 2026 NFL draft

Can Caleb Douglas carry Miami’s passing game as a rookie? – Omar Kelly, Miami Herald
The hype is building like it did for Preston Williams in 2019, when an undrafted rookie dominated Miami Dolphins’ training camp so much the lanky-but-troubled receiver only needed three weeks to become the team’s No. 1 receiver. This…. Caleb Douglas’ introduction to the NFL…. honestly feels like history is repeating itself, as it often does.

Dolphins rebuild

Can Dolphins accelerate their rebuild, like Commanders did two years ago? – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley plans to play quarterback Malik Willis in the upcoming preseason game against the Commanders. The Dolphins acquired Caedan Wallace for his versatility and to add competition at the guard and tackle positions.

Another Reason to Push Back Against Dolphins Doom and Gloom Predictions – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
This rebuilding project remains so very different from the one of 2019

Preseason Game 1 – at Washington Commanders news from Hogs Haven

Washington Commanders 91-man 2026 preseason Game 1 roster/depth chart – Bill Horgan, Hogs Haven
Cut down to 53 players happens on Sunday, August 30th

Colson Yankoff among players to watch vs. Dolphins – Scott Blair, Hogs Haven
Kaytron Allen, Joshua Josephs are also Commanders to keep tabs on during Friday’s preseason game vs. Dolphins

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels camp reportedly gives cease-and-desist letter to LSU – Scott Blair, Hogs Haven
Per ESPN, Jayden Daniels’ camp has requested LSU halt using his name, image and likeness

Details of Stefon Diggs contract with Washington Commanders unveiled – Scott Blair, Hogs Haven
Per Spotrac, veteran receiver Stefon Diggs has $7.15 million fully guaranteed in his deal with the Washington Commanders

Is Washington Commanders DL Johnny Newton on cusp of a breakout season? – MattInBrisVegas, Hogs Haven
Commanders insights from advanced productivity stats

ICYMI – The Phinsider News

Malik Willis expected to start Dolphins preseason game Friday – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Miami’s starting quarterback looks for promising showing in first start with team.

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