The Miami Dolphins have confirmed two joint practices ahead of their preseason games against the Washington Commanders and the New York Giants.
The Miami Dolphins have confirmed two joint practices ahead of their preseason games.
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said his team will take on the Washington Commanders and the New York Giants for joint practices. The joint practice against the Commanders will be on the road, and the other will be at home against the Giants.
Although the Dophins will take on those two NFC East teams in a joint practice, they will not face them in the upcoming 2026 season.
However, Miami will face both teams for its first two preseason matchups. The Dolphins will face the Commanders on August 14, and the Giants the week after on August 22.
A joint practice is common in the NFL, especially when the preseason is around the corner. It provides a highly competitive yet controlled environment for teams to evaluate their roster against an unfamiliar opponent.
It is good practice for teams, and it could majorly benefit a Dolphins team that is young and hungry to face another team outside of themselves. These sessions allow starters to get game-speed reps without the injury risks of actual exhibition matches, helping to prevent early-season soft-tissue injuries.
While joint practices are beneficial for everyone involved, they also have a reputation for becoming heated and physical. There have been plenty of notable scuffles during joint practices over the years, so it wouldn’t be surprising if things got chippy during at least one of the Dolphins’ two scheduled sessions.
The Dolphins will have a total of three preseason games, with their final one coming on August 28 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Miami enters the 2026 season with little to no expectations. They are projected to be one of the worst teams in the league, and their schedule does them no favors. The Dolphins have the second-hardest strength of schedule, only behind the Arizona Cardinals.
The Dolphins are entering a completely new era with a revamped front office, coaching staff, and offense. It is very much out with the old and in with the new in Miami.
Miami now has Jon Eric-Sullivan leading the front office as general manager and Hafley taking over as head coach. The Dolphins offense also looks entirely different, now led by quarterback Malik Willis. The days of Tua Tagovailoa throwing to stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are now in the past.
It could be a very long season for the Dolphins, but they have a chance to raise some eyebrows as well with their new pieces.
