Mike McDaniel gives update on plans to play Dolphins' starters on Saturday against the Commanders

It sounds like a number of more recognizable names will be flying around on the playing surface of Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night when the Miami Dolphins host the Washington Commanders in the teams' second preseason game of 2024.

Mike McDaniel was asked about how much Tua Tagovailoa and the starters will play on Saturday.

"I anticipated this question, and so I thought 'how can I responsibly answer it and just be honest?' Well, the idea from a starting point is that I want some starters to play in the game.  Now, to say exactly which individuals those are specifically with the collection of injuries they have to manage and not really knowing what takes place today, we'll make some final assessments on who those players are going to be as a staff tomorrow.

"But approaching it, as I've explained to the players, the approach will be that the guys that are known starters, with exceptions but at the starting point, that they will get some action this game, and then we'll just take it case by case from there."

The Dolphins will likely keep players dealing with minor ailments out, such Jalen Ramsey, who's worn a compression sleeve on his leg.  Players dealing with more significant issues and have been absent from practice, such as Jaylen Waddle, Jordan Poyer, and Aaron Brewer, should also miss the contest.

However, it will potentially be the first chance to see a number of players in live action for the Dolphins for the first time, and in key spots.  Calais Campbell, Jordyn Brooks, and Kendall Fuller could all make their debuts in Dolphins gear on Saturday.

But the main goal from preseason is, of course, to stay healthy and have all hands on deck for the season opener on September 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.  With the horrendous luck the Dolphins have had on the injury front over the last two seasons, one can't blame McDaniel if he wants to take a more cautious approach with many key players through the next week and a half.

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