The preseason finale at Hard Rock Stadium won’t decide standings, but it will decide futures. Tonight’s game carries weight that goes beyond the scoreboard — careers hang in the balance, roster spots await final decisions, and young players get one last shot to prove they belong.
For the Miami Dolphins, this represents a delicate balancing act between getting their starters ready and keeping them healthy. The Jacksonville Jaguars have already tipped their hand, choosing to rest their key players and turn the spotlight entirely on their depth.
Are Tua Tagovailoa and Other Dolphins’ Starters Playing Against Jacksonville Tonight?
Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed this week that his plan is for the starters to “appear” in the finale, though snap counts will be limited and tied to how joint practices played out. He emphasized that the goal is to rehearse game-day rhythm at home without putting core players at unnecessary risk.
That means fans should briefly see quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and portions of the first-team offense on the field. However, Miami’s lengthy injury list ensures caution will be the theme. Tyreek Hill (oblique), Jaylen Waddle (minor issue), De’Von Achane (calf), and Jaylen Wright (lower-body) were all limited during the week and are not expected to play full roles.
On the other sideline, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has already ruled out his starters, focusing instead on depth evaluation and roster decisions. His approach mirrors the league-wide trend of resting stars in the final preseason game, allowing younger players to take extended snaps while the veterans prepare for Week 1.
Which Young Dolphins Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
The spotlight will shift to younger players and roster hopefuls who understand this might be their only opportunity to make an impression. Miami’s coaches have highlighted the wide receiver competition throughout camp, and with Hill and Waddle limited, opportunities open for players fighting to lock down depth spots.
The coaching staff has pointed out that special teams performance often breaks ties at the back end of the roster, meaning every rep matters under the lights.
At running back, rookie Ollie Gordon II is expected to see extended action with veterans sidelined. His performance on assignments and ball security could influence his place in the rotation. Undrafted backs and depth pieces are also likely to get carries late, giving the Dolphins one more chance to identify reliable contributors.
🎥 Ollie Gordon II on his running style: “When I get the ball, it’s me or them… getting downhill, I feel like that’s more my style than sideways.” (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/907ms5uSpc
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 21, 2025
Meanwhile, the defensive evaluation continues on multiple fronts. Coaches are still assessing the secondary and special-teams units, with Miami’s training camp notebook stressing the importance of these roles in final roster construction.
Up front, the defensive line has been a steady group, with Zach Sieler anchoring the run defense. Depth linemen and edge players will rotate heavily as the staff finalizes its 53-man decisions.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. ET from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Out-of-market fans can watch on NFL+, while local broadcasts will carry the game regionally.
With Jacksonville resting its starters, the matchup tilts toward final evaluation. For Miami, a brief cameo from the first unit will satisfy routine and give key players a taste of game action. But the night truly belongs to rookies and bubble players making their final case before cutdowns begin next week.
