Miami’s 24-17 win in Detroit capped a bold week of growth for a Dolphins squad that spent 11 days in the Midwest. The trip yielded cohesion more than consensus, as undrafted corners and backups pressed the competition, and a late game interception by Ethan Robinson underscored progress in the secondary. Zach Wilson’s second preseason outing looked steadier, and the rookie third-string fluttered with a pair of touchdowns from Quinn Ewers-like play (chemistry with Wease) against Lions depth. Miami now eyes Jacksonville for one final warmup and keeps a tighter grip on the roster battles ahead.

Key fantasy angles: Tua Tagovailoa’s Week 2/3 joint-practice arc showed the offense can reset after setbacks, while Wilson stabilized the backup role with a TD to Eskridge and limited turnovers. On the ground, Ollie Gordon II’s emergence hints at a later-depth RB fight, and the rookie Kenneth Grant chased pocket pressure for Miami. In the secondary, Storm Duck and a retooled nickel role (Mike Hilton) are shaping a mid-August battle. A handful of veterans remain on the mend, but the Dolphins’ depth pieces delivered a compelling shot across the bow for fantasy managers monitoring which players will starter-adjacent come Week 1.

Quinn Ewers shined in a preseason showing that caught Mike McDaniel’s eye, but the Dolphins coach stressed there’s no real No.2 competition yet. Ewers hit tight windows, flashed touch on deep throws, and capped a 17-play, late scoring drive that underscored growth more than contention. Zach Wilson flashed some poise against Detroit, but his occasional misfires—underthrowing a go-ball to Dee Eskridge, for example—kept the battle in the realm of development rather than immediate depth-chart upheaval. The takeaway for fantasy-minded observers: Miami’s foundation remains Tagovaiola, with Ewers as a learning long-term bet and Wilson as the reliable backup, all filtered through a process-first coaching lens.

Both signal potential for future improvement, and McDaniel’s emphasis on the process underscores a slow-burn approach to quarterback depth. Ewers’ accuracy and ability to thread throws in tight windows paint a hopeful trajectory, while Wilson’s couple of impressive plays suggest he’ll continue to push for refinement. In the near term, the Dolphins appear committed to the current order, but the rookie’s vibe is one that could pay dividends later in the season or in dynasty leagues as development progresses.

Miami’s reserve-heavy preseason showcase produced a promising win for the Dolphins as Zach Wilson ran the show in the first half, completing 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a score. Quinn Ewers sparked the offense in the second half, going 11 of 17 for 116 yards and two touchdowns as Miami pulled away late. Detroit countered with Kyle Allen dialing up 14 of 17 for 124 yards and two TDs, while Hendon Hooker struggled through the final two quarters, finishing 6 of 13 for 61 yards with one pick. Ollie Gordon II led Detroit’s ground game with 50 yards on 10 carries and Jacob Saylor added 39 on 13 attempts. The night served as a roster-dress rehearsal, highlighting how depth-chart battles may shape fantasy depth charts and late-season DFS opportunities.

Suspenseful bits included a late first-half sack by Isaac Ukwu that stifled Wilson’s final drive and Lions defenders flashing playmaking potential in the run game. Ewers connected with Theo Wease Jr. and a few other young targets on his first drive back, setting the table for a high-variance, upside-filled QB arc in dynasty leagues. Miami’s special teams and defensive standouts also left quick-impression clips that fantasy managers will note as the teams pare rosters for the finale.

Miami’s 24-17 preseason win over Detroit highlighted a QB depth look with mixed results. Quinn Ewers delivered a clearer development arc, tossing two TD passes to Theo Wease Jr. on a late 17-play drive that sealed the game; he finished 11-of-17 for 116 yards after a rough opener. Mike McDaniel praised the process and the reps, noting the journey of a quarterback is about taking opportunity, applying it, and continuing growth.

Zach Wilson started for Miami and put up 151 yards with a touchdown on 15-23 passing, while most starters rested. McDaniel said preseason results won’t determine the pecking order, emphasizing improvement and consistency. Tua Tagovailoa didn’t play, leaving the frontrunner role untouched as the team weighs backup plans. The next preseason finale against Jacksonville looms as a critical, more revealing session for the depth chart.