Commanders-Dolphins takeaways: Marcus Mariota exits, Robert Henry Jr. bursts onto the scene
Jayden Daniels did not play, and his backup's early exit created a QB concern, while two rookie running backs made their cases in Washington’s 20-7 preseason win.
Updated 11:18 p.m.
LANDOVER, Md. — Football was played at Northwest Stadium on Friday night.
Nobody sane would suggest the preseason action between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins was high-level stuff. Expecting that from the home team would be overly hopeful considering 26 players did not dress, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, and nine defensive starters.
The absences created plenty of opportunities for players seeking a larger role, a spot on the 53-player roster, or simply a chance to get noticed. Some took advantage. Others, not so much in Washington’s 20-7 victory.
One player who doesn’t fit into any of those categories, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, exited in the first quarter with an undisclosed leg injury.
Here’s a rundown of what transpired in the preseason opener.
Out and in
Unsurprisingly, Washington sat numerous starters for its lone preseason game. That’s partly — maybe largely — about avoiding injuries to starters and key players. The staff also looks at the joint practice reps and the 60 game minutes as a combined workload.
Since the starters participated extensively on Wednesday, many of them sat Friday.
There is intrigue with who plays and who doesn’t since it offers clues about the depth-chart hierarchy. Jeremy Reaves, the presumed front-runner at free safety, joined fellow safety Nick Cross in civilian attire while Quan Martin and Will Harris played.
DT Tim Settle (calf strain) and RB Jeremy McNichols (quad) were among the injured players who were sidelined.
Speaking of injuries …
Wait and see
Mariota started. Daniels’ backup did not play long.
The 32-year veteran left the game on the opening drive with an undisclosed, non-contact leg injury. This one didn’t appear as scary as “non-contact” injuries often sound, but hold your breath for the moment.
Mariota found Dyami Brown down the left side for a 22-yard reception while absorbing a big hit on the release. On the next play, he handed the ball off to Kaytron Allen, only to immediately begin limping.
He went down for a few moments as the training staff checked him out. After a pit stop in the blue medical tent and chatting with Daniels on the sideline, Mariota walked into the locker room. Sam Hartman stepped in and played into the third quarter before seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis entered.
Head coach Dan Quinn did not have an update. He speaks with the media on Sunday.
Should Mariota miss any time, even in camp, I would think Washington looks to add another arm. Whatever the future holds for Hartman and Kaliakmanis, neither is a present-day option if Washington suddenly needs a No. 2 quarterback.
