Tagovailoa stays composed under early-season scrutiny as Miami leans on fundamentals, especially feet, to curb turnover risk. Bevell keeps him grounded, ready to correct and execute with confidence. Waller’s two TDs and Washington’s catch-and-run flashes buoy the offense, while Strange settles in at right guard and Bailey pins opponents inside the 3- and 1-yard lines, fueling a more precise, clock-aware attack.

Injury notes loom over a few Dolphins and Panthers alike, but Miami’s special-teams unit shows tangible gains under Aukerman, and the staff emphasizes situational football. The Panthers’ injury woes mount, testing how far Hubbard and a reshaped line can carry a run game. Overall, the mix of improved line play, smarter QB mechanics, and sharper special teams shapes several favorable fantasy paths going forward.

For fantasy managers, the thread is clear: lean into Tua’s improved mechanics and Waller’s red-zone role, monitor Strange’s run-game development, and track Bailey’s punting-driven field-position advantages. The Jets game was a microcosm of a team finding rhythm beneath the surface, with key players stepping up in high-leverage moments.

Miami will start the regular season without Jason Sanders, who is out four to five weeks with a hip issue. The Dolphins will pursue a short-term replacement for place-kicking duties, with Jake Bailey handling a preseason FG attempt that sailed wide left. Week 1 at the Colts now hinges on a free-agent addition and how the kicking job shakes out, not just Sanders’ health.

Other notes: Jaylen Wright’s status murkiness complicates the backfield, Liam Eichenberg remains on PUP with no clear return timetable, and Austin Jackson is on track for Week 1. Darren Waller returns to ramp up with the Giants, Kenneth Grant is described as doing well, and the plan around Week 1 includes broader roster depth and special-teams flexibility.

Miami wrapped the 2025 preseason with a win and lined up key depth-chart winners. Jake Bailey beat Ryan Stonehouse for punting duties, giving the Dolphins a stable weapon for field position. Ollie Gordon II claimed No. 2 back duties, with De'Von Achane as the clear feature back and room for multiple-ball carries. Tahj Washington took the No. 5 receiver spot, while Storm Duck, Jack Jones, and Mike Hilton locked in starting roles at cornerback. Zach Wilson won the No. 2 QB job over Quinn Ewers as Miami preserved veteran stability behind Tagovailoa.

Miami’s secondary benefited from Jalen Ramsey’s trade, Kader Kohou’s injury, and Kendall Fuller’s release, shaping a new outside trio with Hilton in the nickel. The edge group impressed with Derrick McLendon and Grayson Murphy, while Mohamed Kamara battled back from a concussion and faced roster pressure. These depth-chart outcomes set the stage for Week 1 roles and fantasy relevance, especially in backfield, receiver, and cover-rotation scenarios.

Overall, the Dolphins’ roster moves emphasize depth, versatility, and a plan to adapt on the fly if injuries strike. The quarterback depth chart leans veteran-friendly with Wilson as the immediate option, while Ewers offers upside if called upon. For fantasy managers, the standout names to monitor are Bailey, Achane, Washington, Duck, Hilton, Wilson, and Ewers as the season opener approaches.

Training camp for the Miami Dolphins is heating up as key position battles unfold, particularly at guard, punter, and safety. Jonah Savaiinaea is vying for the left guard position against Liam Eichenberg, whose performance last season left much to be desired. Meanwhile, the punting competition is tight between Jake Bailey and newcomer Ryan Stonehouse, who brings a powerful leg but needs to improve his hang-time. The backup quarterback role sees Zach Wilson, who was signed to a lucrative deal, facing off against rookie Quinn Ewers, who has impressed with his leadership.

In the backfield, the Dolphins may keep only three running backs, making Ollie Gordon II's battle against veteran Alexander Mattison critical. Linebackers Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr., and K.J. Britt are also in contention for a starting spot, with Dodson emerging as a strong candidate after last year's performances. The third safety position remains open following the departure of key players, while the fight for the fifth wide receiver spot will be highly competitive among several rookies. The Dolphins also have unproven young corners eyeing the starting cornerback role left vacant by Jalen Ramsey's trade.

Ryan Stonehouse, the Miami Dolphins' new punter, aims to enhance his hang time, a key factor in his release from the Tennessee Titans. Despite impressive yardage records during his tenure, the Titans prioritized better coverage and hang time, leading to his departure. Stonehouse is determined to rectify this, consistently hitting 5.0 seconds in practice and eager to reunite with Dolphins special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman, who previously coached him in Tennessee. Competition remains as Jake Bailey is also on the roster, raising questions about who will secure the punting job.