The Miami Dolphins’ receiving corps took a hit off the field after Week 2, as the NFL fined wide receiver Malik Washington $5,611 for unnecessary roughness involving use of the helmet with 6:13 left in the third quarter. The violation came during the matchup against the New England Patriots, highlighting the league’s ongoing emphasis on player safety and integrity.

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The incident involved Patriots rookie safety Craig Woodson, who was shaken up after absorbing a helmet-to-helmet collision with Washington. Woodson was evaluated in the blue medical tent and cleared to return, missing just four defensive snaps. On the field, Washington had a standout moment despite the fine. The second-year receiver finished with one catch for two yards on two targets and added three carries for 23 yards.

His snap percentage ticked up from 58% in Week 1 to 61% in Week 2, signaling his growing role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, Miami will monitor Washington closely this week, as he appeared on the injury report with a thumb issue and was a limited participant in Monday’s practice. If healthy against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, Washington could provide explosive playmaking in an offense searching for momentum.

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Against the Patriots, Washington fielded the ball at the Dolphins’ 25-yard line; he briefly bobbled it, then spun away from two would-be tacklers before breaking down the left sideline. Even punter Bryce Baringer got a shot at him, but Washington shrugged that off too, racing 74 yards for a go-ahead touchdown that put Miami up 27–23. The momentum, though, didn’t last. On the very next kickoff, New England’s Antonio Gibson answered with a return that nearly mirrored Washington’s.

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via Imago

After looking bottled up, Gibson slipped free and sprinted untouched to the end zone. Flipping the score back in the Patriots’ favor, 30–27. It was the kind of back-to-back explosion the NFL had hoped for. When it rolled out new kickoff rules this offseason designed to bring life back to the return game. In the end, New England closed it out, 33–27, handing the Dolphins their second straight loss.

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Mike McDaniel faces questions about his future

After a lopsided defeat to the Colts in Week 1 and another loss at home in Week 2. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel now heads into Orchard Park with his job under heavy scrutiny. A third straight loss against the red-hot Bills feels likely, but team ownership may not rush to fire him.

NFL insider Ari Meirov noted that Miami’s front office still backs McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier, pointing to the contract extension signed just last August. “The owner actually has had a lot of support for Mike McDaniel and Chris Greer. Like I said, McDaniel signed the contract extension last August,” Meirov explained.

Inside the locker room, the tone remains steady. NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported that players are frustrated by the slow start. But not quitting on their head coach. “No one expressed panic and no one said they’ve quit on their head coach,” Wolfe said, stressing that a dismissal before Thursday Night Football would be premature.

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Outside the walls of Hard Rock Stadium, the atmosphere is far less forgiving. During Sunday’s loss, fans made their anger visible by flying a banner over the venue that read, “FIRE GRIER. FIRE McDANIEL.” The message underscored a growing impatience with the franchise’s struggles, especially the playoff drought that stretches back to 1999.

Still, Meirov believes the Dolphins’ decision-makers are committed to their long-term investment. McDaniel’s record—two playoff berths and a reputation for offensive innovation—remains a strong counterweight to the rocky start. For now, he still has the backing of his players, his general manager, and most importantly, his owner.