Commanders defeat Dolphins 20-7 in preseason opener

The Washington Commanders kicked off the preseason with a 20-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins on August 15, 2026. After Miami scored on their first drive, the Dolphins were held scoreless for the remaining game, as the Commanders' defense intercepted three passes and forced a turnover on downs. The Commanders' coaching staff opted to rest most starters, allowing backups and roster hopefuls to showcase their talents. Several players, including rookie running backs Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen, stood out with strong performances. Meanwhile, quarterback Sam Hartman struggled again, likely jeopardizing his position on the practice squad. The next preseason matchup for the Commanders is against the Detroit Lions next week.

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