The state of the playing surface at Hard Rock Stadium is raising concerns once again, prompting questions about the wisdom of playing star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Saturday’s preseason matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders. Last week’s game showcased less-than-ideal conditions, with poorly settled sod creating a patchy turf that could potentially increase the risk of injury.
Given the significance of Tua Tagovailoa to the team’s fortunes and the investment Miami has placed in him, there is a strong argument to be made for minimizing his exposure to risky situations in preseason games—especially under potentially hazardous conditions. Although rain is not guaranteed for Saturday’s contest in Miami Gardens, even a small chance of inclement weather could further degrade the playing field, adding another layer of concern.
Despite these factors, Tagovailoa is slated to take the field, though likely for no more than a quarter. The limited playing time should offer him some much-needed game practice while hopefully avoiding any unnecessary wear and tear. The focus for the Dolphins will be more on assessing other aspects of their squad, particularly the performance of backup players and other key positions.
Key offensive assets like Jaylen Waddle, who missed practice this week, are unlikely to participate, and even dynamic receiver Tyreek Hill might see very limited action. The game will probably see a significant amount of play from running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane as the team looks to avoid overtaxing its primary stars.
As the regular season approaches, the overarching priority for Dolphins’ head coach Mike McDaniel is clear: ensure the team enters the campaign with a healthy roster, especially when it comes to key players like Tagovailoa. The upcoming game against the Commanders will be a balancing act of achieving necessary preseason preparation while protecting the team’s long-term interests.