The Miami Dolphins wrapped up their preseason with a 14-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his lone appearance of the exhibition slate and delivered a scoring strike in limited action.
Tagovailoa, playing for the first time this preseason, worked three series before exiting early in the second quarter. The veteran quarterback completed 4 of 8 passes for 49 yards, highlighted by a 25-yard touchdown to second-year receiver Malik Washington. Washington hauled in the pass near the 20-yard line, spun outside, cut back inside, and sprinted to the end zone to give Miami a 7-0 lead. Tagovailoa then found tight end Pharaoh Brown for a two-point conversion before heading to the sideline.
“It was good to get out there and get into a rhythm with the guys,” Tagovailoa said postgame. “We’re focused on being sharp for Week 1.”
Backup quarterback Zach Wilson took over after Tagovailoa and orchestrated Miami’s second scoring drive, capped by running back Mike Boone’s 7-yard touchdown run with 8:29 left in the third quarter. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers entered in the fourth and impressed with efficient passing, finishing 7 of 8 for 66 yards.
The Jaguars, who rested most of their starters, relied on their kicking game for points. Rookie kicker Cam Little drilled a 43-yard field goal and added a booming 59-yarder as time expired in the first half. Despite generating six sacks, Jacksonville’s offense sputtered. Rookie quarterback Seth Henigan went 15 of 21 for 77 yards but was intercepted late in the fourth quarter by Miami’s John Saunders Jr., who returned it 52 yards to seal the win. John Wolford added 25 yards on 3 of 5 passing.
Miami’s kicking situation drew intrigue as well. Regular kicker Jason Sanders dressed but did not play, with head coach Mike McDaniel noting only that Sanders would be “ready for the season opener.” Punter Jake Bailey handled kickoffs and missed a 51-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter.
For Miami, Washington’s performance continued to stand out in a receiver group missing Tyreek Hill (undisclosed injury) and easing back Jaylen Waddle. Washington caught three passes for 41 yards, reinforcing his case for a larger role in 2024.
On the other side, Henigan embraced his extended audition despite the uphill climb to make Jacksonville’s final roster. “Every rep is an opportunity, and I’m grateful for that,” Henigan said.
Both teams now turn the page toward the regular season. The Jaguars open at home against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 7, while the Dolphins travel to face the Indianapolis Colts the same day.
