Quinn: a good amount of starters vs. Lions — Daniels still TBD

Different Saturday than last Friday

Dan Quinn told reporters after Thursday’s walk-through that “a good amount of starters” will play Saturday against the Detroit Lions — a clear pivot from the 26-player sit list for the Dolphins opener.

Who plays, and for how long, is still player-by-player. Quinn said he wants snaps for positions like receivers and cornerbacks in a live game, not a blanket unit decision.

Daniels is its own call

Jayden Daniels is not locked in. Quinn said he’ll decide once he knows the health of the players around him — especially the offensive line. Marcus Mariota remains out the rest of preseason with a sprained MCL (situation desk). If Daniels sits, Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis are the public QB depth.

Who will not play

From Quinn / Commanders.com notes:

• Nick Allegretti (calf) — out Saturday; imaging clean; more clarity expected Sunday
• Trey Amos (ankle) — “arrow trending up,” still out this weekend
• Rachaad White (hamstring) — limited Thursday, will not play Saturday
• Johnny Newton — successful pectoral surgery; Quinn said “significant time”

How to watch

Saturday, Aug. 22, noon ET, Ford Field — WUSA9 in the DMV. Full frame stays on the Lions preview.

*Friday desk, Aug. 21, 2026. Sourced from Commanders.com camp notes (Quinn availability). No invented inactive list beyond what Quinn put on record.*