Dolphins to Play Starters in Final Preseason Game Against Jaguars
The Dolphins have just one more stop remaining before kicking off their 2025 NFL season: a 7:00 p.m. EST preseason matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars this Saturday. The Dolphins have had a strong preseason run so far, tying in their first matchup, where Miami saw solid play from their linebacker room and rookie running back Ollie Gordon. In their second game, the Dolphins were presented with a challenge against the Lions, who were reportedly running circles around them throughout joint practices leading up to the contest. Miami showed no signs of struggle during the exhibition, winning 24-17, with rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers throwing two touchdowns in the second half. With the Dolphins entering their final test before the season begins, who will Mike McDaniel have suit up?
Before the start of this week’s joint practices, the Dolphins signed four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon to a one-year deal worth five million dollars. Judon enters a role where, instead of starting, he will serve as a rotational depth piece for a pass rush room that already has plenty of talent. "It's about the work. It ain't about coming down here and enjoying myself or relaxing... it's about the work I put in, and coming in here and hurrying up and getting acclimated with the system," Judon said on signing with the Dolphins. Miami has a history of signing veterans late in their careers. Last season, the team brought in legendary defensive tackle Calais Campbell on a one-year deal, while tackle Terron Armstead signed a multi-year contract in 2022. This latest move doesn’t fill an immediate need, but it does provide valuable depth with the potential to start meaningful games, something Miami lacked last season when Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips went down with injuries. Judon has already started to participate in team activities, making his status for their final preseason contest probable.
Now, back to the Dolphins’ preseason finale with the Jaguars. McDaniel announced today that he plans to play the starters. Miami saw one drive from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in their opener, where he went 6-of-7 for 27 yards. This will be the first time in 2025 that the Dolphins’ starters will be on display, something for fans to watch closely, even if it’s only for a few drives. With both Jaylen Wright and De’Von Achane banged up, Ollie Gordon was given first-team reps at practice today and could get the start in their final preseason game if the other backs remain sidelined. The Dolphins are dealing with many injuries besides the running back room, as players like Tyreek Hill and Kenneth Grant remain up in the air on whether they’ll be suiting up or not. The official injury report will be released, as always, before game time, giving Miami one more day of practice to see who is ready to go.
