Dolphins’ Final Preseason Showdown: Six Roster Battles to Watch vs. Jaguars

The Miami Dolphins close out the preseason on August 23, 2025, against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. For bubble players across the roster, this is the final chance to make an impression. Some are fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, others for practice squad consideration, and a few for positioning on the depth chart. With starters expected to make a brief appearance, according to head coach Mike McDaniel, the spotlight will quickly shift to the players battling for their futures. Here are five storylines to watch.

1. QB2 Battle: Can Quinn Ewers Overtake Zach Wilson?

Tua Tagovailoa is locked in as QB1, but the race for the backup role is heating up. Zach Wilson’s veteran experience makes him the favorite for QB2, while rookie Quinn Ewers is pushing hard after bouncing back from a shaky opener with a more composed outing against Detroit. Ewers offers long-term potential as Tua’s backup, while Wilson is a steady veteran presence whose future in Miami appears more short-term. The QB2 must be ready to step in and win games if called upon.

What success looks like: For Ewers, clean decision-making, composure under pressure, and sustained drives. For Wilson, mistake-free efficiency that reinforces trust. A strong performance from Ewers could close the gap and make Miami’s depth chart conversation more interesting, even if he starts as QB3.

2. Running Back Depth: Boone vs. Shampklin for the Final Spot

With Alexander Mattison on injured reserve due to a season-ending neck injury, the Dolphins are thin behind De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II, and Jaylen Wright. Mike Boone currently projects as the fourth running back because of his experience and value on special teams. Aaron Shampklin’s 26-yard burst against Detroit added intrigue, showing he can provide a spark as a change-of-pace runner.

What success looks like: Boone proving reliable in pass protection and special teams coverage. Shampklin showcasing another explosive run or versatility as a runner and receiver. The Jaguars game could decide who makes the 53 and who lands on the practice squad, or even another team’s roster.

3. Offensive Line: Can the Depth Players Prove Their Worth?

The offensive line remains a work in progress, with Liam Eichenberg and Andrew Mayer on the PUP list and depth roles unsettled behind projected starters Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea, Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, and Austin Jackson. Daniel Brunskill and Larry Borom bring experience as swing options, while Kion Smith and Jackson Carman are fighting to stay in the mix. With Tua’s health tied directly to this group, quality depth is non-negotiable.

What success looks like: Brunskill and Borom showing clean, steady pass protection. Smith and Carman providing consistency in the run game. A strong group performance against Jacksonville’s front would ease concerns heading into Week 1.

4. Defensive Line Depth: Zeek Biggers vs. Matt Dickerson

On the defensive interior, rookie Zeek Biggers has started to climb past veteran Matt Dickerson in roster projections. Biggers’ size and upside make him an intriguing developmental piece, while Dickerson’s consistency has kept him in the conversation. This game may decide whether Miami opts for upside or reliability.

What success looks like: Biggers anchoring against the run and flashing interior disruption. Dickerson showing steady gap control and leveraging his experience. Both may not fit on the 53, making this a battle with real roster consequences.

5. Linebacker Bubble: Can Grayson Murphy and Eugene Asante Make a Case?

Miami’s linebacker and edge room is stacked, with Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Matthew Judon, Jordyn Brooks, Willie Gay Jr., K.J. Britt, and Tyrel Dodson locked in. That leaves Grayson Murphy, Cameron Goode, Mo Kamara, Derrick McLendon, and Eugene Asante battling for scraps. Murphy flashed his pass-rushing skill with a sack against Chicago, while Asante has stood out for his speed and special teams impact.

McDaniel on how adding Judon has pushed the group:
“From a coaching perspective, I thought yesterday was probably the best practice the edge group has had all camp. That’s why you add competition. You get to see how players respond, and yesterday they decided it was going to be a positive impact. We got our best play from the position all offseason.”

What success looks like: Murphy making an impact off the edge and setting the tone in limited defensive snaps. Asante delivering another special teams highlight. Both are strong practice squad candidates, but one last push could change the math for everyone on the edge.

6. Cornerback Crunch: Johnson, Bonner, and Armstrong Fight for Survival

The cornerback room is one of Miami’s most competitive groups. Kendall Sheffield, Storm Duck, Mike Hilton, Jack Jones, Cam Smith, Jason Marshall Jr., and Ethan Bonner currently lead the projections. That leaves Isaiah Johnson, Ethan Robinson, and Cornell Armstrong on the outside looking in, while Sheffield is nursing an injury and Bonner’s health remains a concern.

What success looks like: Johnson and Armstrong proving they can hold up in man coverage and contribute on special teams. Bonner showing he is healthy and reliable. A timely interception, pass breakup, or key tackle could be the difference between a roster spot and a cut.

Additional Practice Squad and Cut Notes

• Theo Wease Jr.: Likely practice squad candidate, but another strong showing could lock it in.

• Dante Trader Jr. vs. Patrick McMorris: On the bubble at safety but should be in the practice squad mix.

• Erik Ezukanma: Trending toward being cut, with this game serving as his last chance to showcase value to Miami or another team.

• Channing Tindall: This is Tindall’s last shot to make the Dolphins roster, very similarly to Eazy E.

Final Thoughts

McDaniel confirmed this week that starters will appear against Jacksonville, though playing time will be determined after Thursday’s practice. He emphasized that preseason is “like practice” and that the priority is seeing growth in technique and fundamentals carry over to game action.

That means Saturday will serve as both a brief tune-up for starters and a final showcase for bubble players. The QB2 battle between Wilson and Ewers remains intriguing. Boone and Shampklin are fighting for the final RB slot. The offensive line must prove its depth, while Biggers and Dickerson compete to stick inside. Murphy and Asante are pushing for linebacker relevance, and Johnson, Bonner, and Armstrong are scrapping at corner. Finally, Theo Wease has a path to the practice squad while Ezukanma may be auditioning for his next team.

Every snap against the Jaguars carries weight. For some players, it is the difference between suiting up Week 1, developing on the practice squad, or searching for a new team.