Full Breakdown
Preseason Quarterback Injuries Prompt Roster Shuffles for Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders
8/16/2026, 11:56:38 PM
Core Event: Backup Quarterbacks Injured in Week 1 Preseason Action
- Miami Dolphins: Second-year backup Quinn Ewers suffered a groin injury early in the Dolphins’ 20-7 loss to the Washington Commanders. The injury was reported as “week-to-week,” with the team expecting him to miss at least one week and the upcoming preseason game against the New York Giants.
- Washington Commanders: Veteran backup Marcus Mariota sprained his right MCL during the same contest. Sources indicated the sprain will sideline him for the remainder of the preseason.
Both injuries forced the respective clubs to adjust their quarterback depth charts ahead of the remaining preseason schedule.
Background & Context
Quarterback depth is a critical concern in the NFL, especially when the starter—Malik Willis for Miami and Jayden Daniels for Washington—remains healthy. Preseason games serve as the primary evaluation period for backups and rookies, making injuries to second-string quarterbacks particularly disruptive.
Data & Statistics
- Quinn Ewers: 1-of-8 passing, 27 yards, 1 interception, 1.6 passer rating against Washington. Selected in the seventh round of the 2025 draft, he appeared in four games as a rookie, completing 55 of 83 passes for 622 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
- Marcus Mariota: Sustained the MCL sprain after a hit on a third-down pass play; he is expected to miss the rest of the preseason.
- Quarterback Depth: Miami now lists Malik Willis (starter), Cam Miller (third-string) and Mark Gronowski (fourth-string). Washington’s depth chart lists Jayden Daniels (starter), Marcus Mariota (backup), Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis (third- and fourth-string).
Official Statements & Responses
- Miami Dolphins: Head coach Jeff Hafley noted that Ewers’ interception “wasn’t a great decision” and emphasized ball security, while also highlighting moments where Ewers delivered “a great ball” that could have resulted in a 25-30-yard gain. The organization re-signed undrafted rookie Mark Gronowski on Sunday to provide additional depth while Ewers recovers.
- Washington Commanders: Coach Dan Quinn expressed optimism that Mariota will be ready for the regular season and said the team does not anticipate bringing in an external quarterback to fill the backup role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The interception that he threw clearly wasn’t a great decision, especially in that point of the field,” — Jeff Hafley, Dolphins coach
- “We don't anticipate anybody else coming in,” — Dan Quinn, Commanders coach
Timeline
- August 7 – Mark Gronowski was waived after his initial stint in training camp.
- Injuries occurred during the Dolphins-Commanders preseason opener.
- August 22 – Miami will face the New York Giants; Ewers is expected to miss this game.
- August 28 – Miami’s preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons; Ewers could return if his groin heals promptly.
What’s Next
- Miami Dolphins: Cam Miller is slated to receive increased practice reps, and Gronowski will compete for a roster spot as the team prepares for the Giants matchup.
- Washington Commanders: With Mariota out, Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis will assume backup duties. The Commanders will play their second preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.
Both franchises will monitor the health of their injured quarterbacks as they approach the regular season, where depth at the position remains a pivotal factor for early-season success.
