Once upon a time, the NFL’s preseason mattered. At least a little bit. Coaches and players viewed these exhibitions games as a valuable opportunity to work out the kinks in preparation for Week 1.
In 2026, franchises are much more risk adverse, opting to sit as many key contributors as possible in hopes of avoiding serious injuries to key personnel. Why even allow franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels to play a single snap during the preseason, even if he missed the majority of the 2025 season due to a series of injuries and could almost certainly use the game time to grasp a better understanding of the team’s new offensive system?
These days, joint practices provide the only real chances for someone like Daniels to work through the inevitable rust that comes from a lengthy absence. Preseason games have been all but relegated to glorified exhibitions where rookies make their debut and the last few roster spots are earned.
The new-look Miami Dolphins, led by quarterback Malik Willis, apparently didn’t get the memo and happily trotted out their starters for their preseason opener against the Commanders. Willis and friends opened the game with an impressive 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive — punctuated by a De’Von Achane 1-yard touchdown run — and were then promptly removed from the game.
With Daniels in street clothes, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota started the game for Washington. He lasted just four plays.
On his third play, Mariota took a hit from Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson after completing a 22-yard pass to receiver Dyami Brown. One play later, the 32-year-old went down with an apparent leg injury on a non-contact play after handing off the ball to rookie back Kaytron Allen. This worst-case scenario is clearly why head coach Dan Quinn opted to not play Daniels and and two dozen other healthy players.
Seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis, a raw rookie out of Rutgers, split the game’s remaining snaps with Sam Hartman. Kaliakmanis completed six of 10 passes for 87 yards with a 88.3 quarterback rating. Hartman, meanwhile, struggled with accuracy as he completed eight of 15 passes for 80 yards with an interception.
On the ground, Allen and fellow rookie Robert Henry Jr., each had a productive day. The dynamic duo combined for 160 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.
After allowing a touchdown on the opening drive, Washington’s defense did improve — picking off three passes. Safety Quan Martin, linebacker Ale Kaho and safety Malik Spencer each intercepted a wayward pass attempt in the 20-7 victory.
