Dolphins news: Recaps from joint practices with Commanders; Caleb Douglas stepping up

The Miami Dolphins joined the Washington Commanders in Ashburn, Virginia on Wednesday for a joint practice ahead of their 2026 preseason opening game on Friday. The practice gave both teams a chance to work out against someone other than themselves and was the first of two joint practices the Dolphins planned for this summer. They will host the New York Giants on August 20 in Miami Gardens, a practice that is open to the public.

It was not the greatest day of practice for the Dolphins, who seemed to struggle in much of their execution. The physicality was there for the team, but they were beaten by the Commanders on offense and defense throughout the day.

According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s David Furones and Chris Perkins did stand out among Miami’s players, however. Providing rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas with a “stock up” rating, the duo explained:

The rookie wideout continues to shine. His play in practice at Dolphins camp translated to facing an opponent, as he had the type of practice we’ve come to know from him in the first joint practice setting he has seen.

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

Dolphins struggle with Commanders in joint practice but were physical; plus stock up, stock down– David Furones and Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The Miami Dolphins finally squared off against another team ahead of the 2026 season, and it was a struggle. The Washington Commanders won the day on both offense and defense at their training facility on Wednesday.

Dolphins joint practices with Commanders

Breaking Down the Highlights and Lowlights of the Dolphins Joint Practice vs. Washington – Kyle Crabbs, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins practiced with the Washington Commanders ahead of their preseason opener

Practice 11: 2026 Miami Dolphins Training Camp Notebook – Travis Wingfield, Miami Dolphins
At long last, the football season is here. The next time the Dolphins touch the field will be on game day – an exhibition game, but a game all the same. On Wednesday, the Dolphins took on the Commanders for a joint practice in Ashburn, Va.

Malik Willis has shown potential, now it’s on rest of Dolphins offense – Omar Kelly, Miami Herald
Malik Willis definitely got his cardio work in on Wednesday. While it’s doubtful any of the Washington Commanders defenders would hit the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback during Wednesday’s joint practice, Willis was forced to showcase his scrambling ability consistently to evade the pressure he was under.

De’Von Achane

Projecting Dolpins RB De’Von Achane’s Touches in Light of Coach’s Comments – Tyler DeSena, Miami Dolphins on SI
Miami’s star running back could be in for a major workload in 2026.

Dolphins star running back De’Von Achane named to NFL Top 100 – C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
The Miami Dolphins offense will run through De’Von Achane in 2026. And after a career year in 2025, accented by his league-leading 5.7 yards per carry, why wouldn’t it?

Caleb Douglas

Dolphins’ Caleb Douglas is solidifying himself as Malik Willis’ top target – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas has already been established as a training camp standout. But after he put up a strong first two weeks of practice in Miami Gardens against Dolphins defensive backs, the question was how he’d look against some new competition in a different-colored jersey.

Caleb Douglas becoming impossible for Miami Dolphins to ignore in camp – Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post
There weren’t too many plays to remember in the Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders joint practice on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Dolphins preseason plans

Miami Dolphins’ Jeff Hafley says Malik Willis will play vs Commanders – Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post
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.

Dolphins injuries

With DT Zach Sieler Set to Miss Time, Time to Step Up for Former Dolphins First-Round Pick– Jacob Westendorf, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Dolphins need for defensive tackle Kenneth Grant to take a big step forward in his second season

Rookie cornerback Chris Johnson kept out of joint practice vs. Commanders – Omar Kelly, Miami Herald
Rookie cornerback Chris Johnson would have had a phenomenal opportunity to gauge his development lining up against Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs during Wednesday’s joint practice against the Washington Commanders.

Former Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa to start Friday, not yet named Falcons’ QB1 – Marc Raimondi, ESPN
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start Friday night in the team’s preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday.

Free agent TE Darren Waller, Panthers agree to 1-year deal – Mike Kaye, ESPN
The Carolina Panthers and free agent tight end Darren Waller reached agreement Wednesday on a one-year deal, his agency announced.

Examining Minkah’s Miami Comments … and Other Former Dolphins Updates – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
Former Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick explained why he wanted out of Miami the first of two times the team traded him

Preseason Game 1 – at Washington Commanders new from Hogs Haven

Analyzing top storylines from Commanders training camp, joint practice vs. Dolphins – John Portis, Hogs Haven
Brandon Coleman, Colson Yankoff, and joint practice with the Miami Dolphins lead the top stories this week.

Washington Commanders roster by jersey number, last name– Scott Jennings, Hogs Haven
All players on the team sorted by jersey numbers and last names to help you find your favorites during the preseason.

How Stefon Diggs will change Washington Commanders offense this season – John Portis, Hogs Haven
What does Stefon Diggs, Jayden Daniels’ newest weapon,bring to David Blough’s offense?

ICYMI – The Phinsider News

De’Von Achane makes NFL Top-100 debut – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Miami Dolphins running back checks in at #26 on the list.

Zach Sieler out of Dolphins practice with injury – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Miami’s defensive tackle is “week-to-week” according to head coach Jeff Hafley.

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