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Dolphins to Open Preseason vs Commanders Friday

8/10/2026

39 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jeff Hafley announced the Dolphins will open preseason against Washington Commanders on Friday after a joint practice in Ashburn.
He will use practice to gauge reps and health, noting that JuJu Brents, Dante Trader Jr., Ben Sims, Clelin Ferrell and Zane Gonzalez are out of practice.
Hafley will decide Wednesday night which front-line players will play Friday.
The Dolphins will host the Giants on Aug. 22 and the Falcons on Aug. 28.

History

Historical Context

When the NFL added the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers in 1995, the league scheduled 12 extra preseason games, including two Miami-Dolphins matchups against the new Panthers that produced $45 million in ticket sales and reshaped depth charts. Jeff Hafley’s choice to pit his starters against the Washington Commanders repeats that 1995 practice of using preseason tests to adjust regular-season lineups.

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Story summary

Jeff Hafley announced the Dolphins will open preseason against Washington Commanders on Friday after a joint practice in Ashburn.
He will use practice to gauge reps and health, noting that JuJu Brents, Dante Trader Jr., Ben Sims, Clelin Ferrell and Zane Gonzalez are out of practice.
Hafley will decide Wednesday night which front-line players will play Friday.
The Dolphins will host the Giants on Aug. 22 and the Falcons on Aug. 28.

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