Malik Washington looks shifty, goes 5/67 in loss

We expect to see Douglas listed with a second DNP next to his name today, putting him on the wrong side of questionable for Week 4 against the Vikings. Were he indeed to miss this week’s game, WRs Chris Bell (knee) and Malik Washington would benefit. Washington’s target volume is somewhat intriguing, but Bell looks like the far more talented player.

Douglas, who has shown flashes in limited action so far this season, did not suit up in Week 3 against the Chiefs and looks like a long shot for Week 4 against the Vikings. Douglas’ absence would be a potential boost for Malik Washington, who leads the Dolphins in targets and air yards through Week 3. Minnesota’s defense, while elite, has allowed the fourth most air yards this season and profiles as a pass-funnel.

Every total was a new season high for Washington, including the carries. It briefly appeared Washington might be the Dolphins’ emergency lead back, as De’Von Achane was knocked out with a knee injury and Ollie Gordon was cramping. With Achane seemingly set for a long absence, Washington could indeed be in line for more rushing usage. That makes him a slightly more viable WR4, but rookies Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas still offer more overall upside heading into Week 4 against the Vikings. That’s, of course, if Douglas returns from his ankle injury.

Douglas suffered an ankle injury in Miami’s Week 2 loss to the 49ers and did not return. He was spotted in a boot after the game. Hafley has been noncommittal when talking about Douglas’s Week 3 status, though we suspect he won’t suit up versus the Chiefs. Malik Washington is locked in as the team’s No. 1 receiver now, giving him some appeal as a FLEX option this week. Rookie Chris Bell should also see an uptick in routes, making him worth stashing in deeper leagues.

Washington led the Dolphins’ receivers in targets and was leading the team in receiving yards before one garbage time pass to Ryan Miller. Washington played on 43 of the team’s 56 snaps and ran a route on 26 of their 30 dropbacks, so he has the second-biggest role among the receivers. The issue is that he is not seeing downfield passes, and the Dolphins appear to be unable to move the ball. It’s not a situation to attack outside of the deepest fantasy formats.

Washington is a complementary third receiver currently running as the Dolphins’ No. 2 player at the position. He produced a nice 30-yard catch-and-run on a crossing route, but later had the ball punched out by a Raiders defender, and the Raiders recovered, sealing his team’s loss. Washington is a WR5/6 against the 49ers in Week 2.

Malik Willis, Hafley said during a Tuesday presser, is still building chemistry with the team’s pass catchers in OTAs and working on timing. That presumably includes Malik Washington, who had 46 catches for 317 yards and three scores last season, and Greg Dulcich, who’s expected by Miami beat writers to “figure heavily” into the team’s passing attack in 2026. Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell could also see heavy snaps in the Miami passing game this season. Tolbert, who flashed in Dallas in 2024 with 610 yards and seven touchdowns, could emerge as the Dolphins’ top pass-catching option with a solid training camp. There likely won’t be much target volume to go around, however, considering the team’s plans to operate a run-heavy offense.

Kelly’s assessment might just be an indictment of the Dolphins’ other wide receivers. To be fair, Kelly also notes that Washington “has been praised in the past for his ability to learn and execute the offense.” Regardless, Washington seems to be in the driver’s seat at the moment. If he is going to be anything more than a matchup-based WR5/FLEX slot receiver, though, Washington will need to earn a role in two-wide receiver sets.

Washington was the Dolphins’ No. 1 receiver with Jaylen Waddle resting his sore mid-section for the season finale, but the short-handed ‘Fins had a rough go of it with Quinn Ewers under center. A hyped 2024 Day 3 rookie, Washington didn’t do much his first year in the league but was more involved as a sophomore. At least it felt that way. Washington ultimately out-touched his rookie self “just” 58-31, but he was the Dolphins’ clear No. 2 wideout following Tyreek Hill’s season-ending leg injury. More of a gadget player than actual target commander, Washington would ideally be a No. 4 wideout, one without much of a long-term ceiling in dynasty leagues.

Washington also had one carry for one yard. His first reception of the day was a screen pass he took for 27 yards that was called back due to holding. He also saw a pair of deep targets that fell incomplete from Quinn Ewers. Washington has a short-yardage slot role that earns him some screen passes, but nothing more. Despite being the No. 2 wide receiver in the Dolphins offense, Washington should be off fantasy radars for Week 18 against the Patriots.