The Miami Dolphins closed out their preseason schedule with a convincing win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing August with a perfect record. The victory capped off a summer that showcased both emerging talent and well-established stars, setting an optimistic tone as the franchise turns its attention to the regular season. While preseason results do not always translate to long-term success, the Dolphins’ ability to remain consistent across their exhibition games has given both coaches and fans reason to feel encouraged heading into September.
One of the biggest storylines to emerge this preseason has been the play of rookie running back Ollie Gordon II. Drafted with expectations of gradually working into the rotation, Gordon has instead played his way into a meaningful role right away. Injuries in the backfield have opened opportunities, and Gordon has capitalized by showcasing both power and vision, making him a likely No. 2 option behind De’Von Achane to start the year. His ability to absorb contact and extend runs has stood out in a backfield where depth is being tested, especially with Jaylen Wright unavailable for the season opener due to a leg injury.
Second-year wide receiver Malik Washington also used the preseason to elevate his status within the offense. Washington’s chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was on display in the finale against Jacksonville, highlighted by a touchdown connection that drew cheers from the home crowd. With established stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle commanding defensive attention, Washington’s emergence gives Miami another weapon who can stretch the field and keep opposing defenses honest. His steady hands and growing confidence suggest he may be one of the most impactful young receivers in the AFC this season.
The completion of the preseason brings with it one of the most difficult parts of the NFL calendar — roster cutdown day. Every team must reduce its roster to 53 players before the September 7 season opener, and for Miami, that process has already begun. Early releases have included veterans like running backs Aaron Shampklin and Mike Boone, as well as offensive lineman Jackson Carman and cornerback Mike Hilton. Their departures underscore the Dolphins’ commitment to younger talent and performance-based decisions. Rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. is now in line for an expanded role as a nickel defender, a significant responsibility for a first-year player.
On the offensive side, the projected depth chart is beginning to take shape. The Dolphins are expected to carry three quarterbacks, with Tagovailoa backed by Zach Wilson and rookie Quinn Ewers. At wide receiver, five players are likely to make the final roster: Hill, Waddle, Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Dee Eskridge. Notably, fellow receiver Tahj Washington is in danger of missing the cut, despite showing flashes of promise during training camp.
One of the more concerning developments for Miami is the situation at kicker. Veteran Jason Sanders, who has been one of the NFL’s more reliable legs in recent years, is sidelined for at least the first month of the season with a hip injury. Although surgery is not required, his absence creates an immediate need for a replacement. During the preseason finale, punter Jake Bailey handled both punting and kicking duties, a stopgap solution that underscored the urgency of finding a specialist. The Dolphins are now exploring veteran options, including several free agents with starting experience, to ensure stability in the kicking game before the season opener.
These roster challenges are not unusual at this point in the calendar, but they add a layer of intrigue to a Dolphins team already facing high expectations. Head coach Mike McDaniel and his staff must balance short-term needs with long-term potential, ensuring that the roster entering September is not only competitive but resilient enough to withstand inevitable injuries and adjustments. Miami’s front office has invested heavily in creating a roster that blends veteran star power with promising youth, and this preseason has validated many of those decisions.
The Dolphins now look ahead to their regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, a matchup that will test their readiness and depth from the very beginning. The Colts bring a strong defense and an improving offense, meaning Miami’s balance on both sides of the ball will be critical. For the Dolphins, starting the season with momentum from a perfect preseason could help them establish an early rhythm in what promises to be a competitive AFC race.
The excitement surrounding the Dolphins is as high as it has been in recent years. The team’s depth at key skill positions, the development of rookies and second-year players, and the leadership of established veterans have combined to create optimism in Miami. Yet, as with any NFL team, unanswered questions remain. How the Dolphins handle their special teams situation, whether Gordon can shoulder a heavier workload at running back, and whether Washington can consistently complement Hill and Waddle will shape the narrative in the weeks to come.
For now, the Dolphins have done everything they could in August to inspire confidence. A perfect preseason may not guarantee victories in the fall, but it does set a standard of preparation and execution. As the roster countdown continues and final decisions are made, Miami enters September with both momentum and anticipation, eager to prove that their strong start is a preview of bigger things to come.