The Washington Commanders defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-7 on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in their preseason opener at Northwest Stadium. While Washington rested 26 players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, the game was marked by a right knee injury to veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota and strong debuts for several rookies.
Washington entered the contest with a cautious approach, keeping most starters and prominent skill players like Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs on the sideline.
Marcus Mariota’s Right Knee Injury
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota started the game in place of Jayden Daniels, but his participation was short-lived. Mariota came up lame on the fourth offensive snap of the game. The injury occurred after Mariota delivered a 22-yard pass to Dyami Brown and was knocked hard to the ground.
Observers noted Mariota’s knee buckle on the subsequent first-down play. He began limping after a handoff to Kaytron Allen and eventually went to the ground, where trainers examined his right knee. While he was able to walk off the field under his own power, he spent time in the medical tent before leaving with a trainer.
The team has not released a formal announcement regarding the nature of the injury. Head coach Dan Quinn told reporters after the game that he did not have an update and would provide one on Sunday, according to reporting from The Athletic.
Rookie Debuts: Sonny Styles and Antonio Williams
Unlike many of the established veterans, No. 7 overall draft pick Sonny Styles saw action in his first NFL game. The Ohio State product started the contest and wore the green dot to call defensive plays during his limited time on the field.
Styles played a single defensive series alongside Leo Chenal, recording three total tackles against Miami’s first-team offense.
On the offensive side, rookie Antonio Williams entered the game for the fourth series. In the third quarter, Williams caught a 16-yard completion from quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.
Robert Henry Jr. and the Backfield Battle
While training camp focus has largely remained on Rachaad White, Bill Croskey-Merritt, and sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen, undrafted free agent Robert Henry Jr. emerged as a standout in the Dolphins game. Henry, who previously played for Texas-San Antonio, recorded 12 carries for 75 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.
Henry’s performance included a 22-yard touchdown run and was highlighted by solid pass protection and explosive burst in open space.
Additional Injuries and Roster Notes
Beyond the concern for Mariota, Washington dealt with other player exits during the game. Linebacker Ale Kaho left in the fourth quarter after recording an interception. Cornerback Fred Davis II was carted off the field, though he later informed a reporter that he had suffered a full-body cramp
.
The game also provided data for the team’s special teams competition, with Drew Stevens reportedly taking a step forward in the kicking battle.
| Player | Key Stat/Event | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Mariota | Right knee injury | Left field with trainer |
| Robert Henry Jr. | 75 yards, 1 TD | 12 carries (6.3 avg) |
| Sonny Styles | 3 total tackles | Started; called defensive plays |
| Fred Davis II | Full-body cramp | Carted off field |
The Commanders’ victory sets the stage for further roster evaluations as they move toward the regular season. The primary remaining uncertainty is the health of Marcus Mariota, with the team expected to provide a status update on Sunday.
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