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Why is Stefon Diggs not playing today vs Dolphins? Commanders WR’s preseason status revealed

Stefon Diggs’ preseason status is in focus as the Commanders prepare to face the Miami Dolphins today.

Updated on: Aug 15, 2026, 04:46:46 IST
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Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs will not play against the Miami Dolphins in Friday’s preseason opener. The Commanders officially listed Diggs among 26 players who will sit out the game at Northwest Stadium. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin are also among the starters being held out. Diggs joined Washington earlier this month on a one-year, $12 million deal after spending the 2025 season with the New England Patriots. He has practiced with his new team for about a week but will have to wait for his first game appearance in a Commanders uniform.

FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs walks off the field before the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs walks off the field before the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Why is Stefon Diggs not playing against Miami Dolphins?

The Washington Commanders announced Friday that Diggs will not participate in the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. The team also left out several other key players, including Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin and running back Rachaad White.

That means fans will not get to see the new Washington offense with its expected starting quarterback and top wide receivers together in a game yet. Diggs has only recently joined the Commanders, so his first preseason appearance will have to wait.

Also Read: Will Trevon Diggs join brother Stefon in Washington? Former Cowboys CB reacts after Commanders announcement

The decision also gives Washington a chance to look at players fighting for places further down the roster. With several regular starters watching from the sideline, younger players can get more snaps and a chance to show the coaching staff what they can do.

Stefon Diggs waits for Jayden Daniels connection

Diggs was brought in to give Jayden Daniels another experienced target alongside Terry McLaurin. The veteran receiver signed with Washington after the Patriots released him in March.

His arrival comes after a strong 2025 regular season in New England. Diggs played all 17 games and finished with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on 102 targets, according to ESPN’s player statistics.

Those numbers give Washington plenty to look forward to once Diggs gets his first chance to play. However, Friday’s game will not provide the first look at how he fits with Daniels or McLaurin.

Also Read: How Stefon Diggs joining the Commanders affects Brandon Aiyuk's NFL future and trade outlook

When will Stefon Diggs make Commanders debut?

Diggs is expected to get his first preseason game action when Washington faces the Detroit Lions on Saturday, August 22, according to the information provided by CBS Sports.

For now, the Commanders will continue using training camp and preseason snaps to prepare their roster. Diggs will remain one of the players to watch as Washington works toward the regular season, but his first game with Daniels will have to wait.

  • Sehjal Gupta
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sehjal Gupta

    Sehjal Gupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times and is part of the US Desk. She covers a wide range of stories from the United States, including politics, sports, entertainment, breaking news, and major global developments. She enjoys working across different beats because every story brings a fresh perspective and an opportunity to explore something different. Before joining Hindustan Times, Sehjal was part of The Times of India, where she headed the International Sports and US Streamers team. She reported on international sports, athlete stories, streamer news, and major developments from around the world. The role gave her the opportunity to work on a diverse range of stories while leading coverage across two evolving news categories. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and believes the experience taught her the importance of staying organised, managing priorities, and adapting to new challenges. Over the years, she has reported on a variety of topics and enjoys taking on stories that keep her curious and encourage her to look beyond the obvious. Expertise: International news, International/US sports, and streamer coverage. Interests: Global affairs, geopolitics, politics, and entertainment. Outside work, Sehjal loves travelling, watching movies, and exploring new places to eat. She enjoys discovering new cultures and believes that some of the best stories and experiences come from stepping outside her comfort zone and exploring unfamiliar places.Read More

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