MalikWashington

News: 3 days agoWashington brought in three of eight targets for 53 yards, returned three kickoffs for 56 yards and ran back one punt for 17 yards in the Dolphins' 27-13 loss to the Raiders on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

Spin: Washington's turnover was the one blemish on an otherwise encouraging afternoon, as the fumble came at the two-minute warning after a 26-yard reception and snuffed out any last-gasp chance at a comeback for Miami. Washington also finished as the team leader in targets and second in receiving yards for the Dolphins, and he matched Caleb Douglas for a team-high 30-yard catch. The 2024 sixth-round pick also put in solid work as a returner, and he should remain heavily involved on both offense and special teams in a Week 2 road matchup against the 49ers.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Washington was a sixth-round flier back in 2024, but that didn't stop him from working his way into a substantial offensive role last season. Washington finished third on the Dolphins in targets, trailing only Jaylen Waddle and De'Von Achane. Of course, Miami's shaky group of offensive personnel was an obvious factor and Washington's efficiency wasn't very good (5.0 yards per target, 7.0 yards per reception, 0.9 yards per route run). The 25-year-old is fine as a short-range target and occasional rusher, but that's likely his ceiling with newcomers Jalen Tolbert, Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas and Kevin Coleman Jr. expected to factor in at wide receiver.