MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel spoke to reporters Friday as the team prepares to face the Washington Commanders in Madrid, Spain, marking the NFL’s first-ever game played in the country.

The Dolphins (3-7) will meet the Commanders (3-7) on Sunday at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Miami is coming off a 30-13 win over the Buffalo Bills, a game highlighted by stiff defense and running back De’Von Achane’s 225 rushing yards and touchdown runs of 59 and 38 yards.

McDaniel provided injury updates, saying EDGE Chop Robinson has cleared concussion protocol. Cornerback Rasul Douglas is “probably going to be more along the lines of questionable,” he said, and the team is “aggressively optimistic” on center Aaron Brewer.

McDaniel also spoke at length about wide receiver Jaylen Waddle’s growth since stepping into a larger role with Tyreek Hill out for the season.

“It’s been a pretty steady progression in the details of Waddle’s game,” McDaniel said. “He’s getting extra yardage after the catch with extra attention on. If Waddle isn’t straining on those two long run plays, they’re 15-yarders, not a 59- and a 30-yarder. He’s doing a great job.”

Achane’s recent surge — including his performance against Buffalo — has also helped shape Miami’s evolving identity.

“He’s finding ways to do what he does best more often,” McDaniel said. “For a smaller guy, he breaks a lot of tackles. That play last week kind of embodies his development, making two people miss and taking it to the house. There are very few running backs who can do that.”

McDaniel said the staff is learning in real time how to balance Achane’s workload.

“You’re kind of seeing live-speed our identity create itself,” he said. “You learn on the fly how his body responds. One of the things that is the saving grace for De’Von is that he doesn’t take hits directly very often.”

Kickoff for Dolphins-Commanders is set for 9:30 a.m.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.