The Daily Slop – 15 August 2026
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
Commanders links
Articles
Sports Illustrated
Washington Awaits Marcus Mariota Update After Preseason Win
With 26 players held out of the game, including starting QB Jayden Daniels, Mariota got the start but only lasted four plays before going down with an apparent leg injury. Mariota had just completed a 22-yard pass to Dyami Brown before going down on the following
handoff to Kaytron Allen and eventually leaving for further evaluation. Mariota got hit pretty hard on the play to Brown, but stayed in the game until the handoff on the next play, when he appeared to grab at his knee. He was able to walk off the field on his own.
Mariota enters the season as Washington’s established No. 2 quarterback behind Daniels, with two developmental prospects behind him who are far from NFL-ready; he is the last line of defense if something happens to Daniels. His health matters far more than the outcome of an August game. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn had no update on Mariota when asked after the game: “I don’t. I know we’re connecting on Sunday, so I’ll give an update on Marcus and some of the other guys that we’ve talked about who couldn’t be back.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
Standouts from Washington’s preseason opener against Miami
QB Athan Kaliakmanis
Rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis also made his case for the Commanders’ QB3 job. The 2026 seventh-round pick started fast, connecting with rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams for 16 yards before finding tight end Colson Yankoff for 17 yards. He finished the night with 87 passing yards and no touchdowns. Sam Hartman had a disappointing preseason debut, throwing for just 80 passing yards and one interception. Kaliakmanis’ performance could give him the edge in the QB3 competition.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
The backup QB competition on display against Miami
The first half was for Hartman to impress, which was met with more lows than highs. The first drive replacing Mariota ended in a punt by Matt Haack, then his next drive ended after just six plays after a potential scoring drive ended into an easy Dolphins interception following a clear-cut overthrow by Hartman. Full drive number two was highlighted by the run game and a 14 yard catch by Van Jefferson as the offense drew a fresh set of downs at the six yard line. But an incompletion on second down followed by a sack on third down squandered the chance to tie the game, instead forcing Jake Moody to rattle in a 29-yard field goal to cut into the deficit. Hartman was more efficient over his last two drives, finding Jaylin Lane on a pair of throws along with Ben Sinnott for an 11 yard pickup before Robert Henry Jr. punched in his first NFL touchdown on a 22 yard run. The final drive of the half was highlighted by Hartman’s 17 yard completion to Jaylin Lane before Kaytron Allen’s first NFL touchdown gave Washington a ten point halftime lead.
Hartman took the field for one final drive in the second half, ending his day 8-of-15 with 80 yards and an interception, before seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis took the field for the rest of the game. The rookie finished 6-of-10 with 87 yards, including 33 yards on his first two throws to rookie Antonio Williams then Colson Yankoff, followed by a completion over 20 yards to Jacoby Jones then short gain to Jaden Bradley. While the big plays may not have always been there, the rookie’s arm strength was evident in his unofficial debut.
The question now is, with Mariota exiting the game with a possible non-contact leg injury, can Kaliakmanis potentially stabilize the backup quarterback spot?
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Last Man Standig (paywall)
Robert Henry Jr. bursts onto the scene
The slithery runner from UTSA [Robert Henry] turned into a video game back in the first half. The UDFA’s first carry went for 11 yards inside. After modest gains on the next three carries, Henry gave the home crowd a reason to get out of their seats besides making a nacho run.
The 5-foot-9, 196-pound rookie zoomed around the right end for a 15-yard gain. Following a Ben Sinnott 11-yard catch, Henry took the handoff with the apparent intention of cutting upfield between the tackles. Instead, he quickly moved to his right as if he had entered the Matrix, and then zoomed down the right side for a 22-yard touchdown.
We see electric runners and receivers each preseason who look like Week 1 starters only to fade quietly out of the league. Henry, who had 75 yards on 12 attempts (6.3 ypc), should get a chance to hang around on Washington’s practice squad, allowing everyone involved to see if this RB has staying power.
There’s unlikely to be a true competition between the first-year players. Allen’s draft status gives him a head start that Henry likely cannot close. Regardless, the fun UDFA will make his run at it.
For more from Ben Standig, click here
From Commanders Wire:
Henry showed excellent vision, cut-back ability and the potential to break off a long run. Allen banged in between the tackles, didn’t lose yardage and kept the chains moving. The Commanders will likely keep four backs, with many assuming Croskey-Merritt, White, McNichols, and Allen will win those four spots. Henry is now firmly in the mix. Each of these running backs offers a different skill set. There is excellent depth. This spot became more intriguing over the final two preseason games and one joint practice.
To read more of this Commanders Wire article, CLICK HERE
From ESPN:
A few rookies had strong games. Undrafted free agent running back Robert Henry Jr. showed juice on his runs and scored from 22 yards out. He finished with 75 yards on 12 runs. Henry hit the holes fast and used good vision to knife through narrow openings. Center Matt Gulbin showed some power inside in the second quarter. Third-round receiver Antonio Williams caught one pass for 16 yards and didn’t play until the third quarter. Running back Kaytron Allen doesn’t have Henry’s burst but managed 85 yards on 23 carries and a 1-yard touchdown. — John Keim
Next game: at Detroit Lions (Aug. 22, noon ET)
Commanders.com
5 takeaways from Washington’s 20-7 win over the Dolphins
Quan Martin and Ale Kaho helped flip the field.
The Commanders have stressed the importance of creating more turnovers in practice, and while no one will likely remember an interception in the preseason, it is hopefully a sign of things to come.
Quan Martin, who is in a battle with the rest of the safeties, was the player who secured the ball from Ewers, who either expected his receiver to be in a different spot or simply misfired his pass. Either way, Martin was there to make the play, giving the Commanders the ball at the Dolphins’ 35-yard line. It led to the Commanders getting a 29-yard field goal from Jake Moody, who doinked the kick off the right upright to make the score 7-3.
The next came from 2024 undrafted free agent Ale Kaho, who read Miller’s eyes on the play and made the easy grab that set the offense up at the Dolphins’ 33-yard line. That also led to a field goal — a 44-yarder by Drew Stevens.
And then there was a third. Malik Spencer intercepted a pass from Miller with less than six minutes in the fourth quarter, essentially ending the Dolphins’ chances at a comeback.
It was the kind of complimentary football that was missing from the Commanders’ roster in 2025. Hopefully, the current roster can keep that up and create shorter fields for the offense going forward.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders’ preseason win over the Dolphins
Winner No. 1
Athan Kaliakmanis – Commanders QB
Even though seventh-round quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis had to wait his turn, there was a lot to like about the way he applied himself. He looked comfortable enough, and the arm strength represented a real positive to take from the contest.
There was conviction, athleticism, and a level of comfort that defied his inexperience. There are still some things to work on, such as recognizing where the pressure is coming from, but there was far more good than bad in the Day 3 selection from Rutgers.
Washington will probably give Klaiakmanis more reps over the next two preseason games before an official judgment is made. But based on this impressive showing, it would be a big surprise if he didn’t find his name on the 53-man roster.
Winner No. 2
Matt Gulbin – Commanders OL
It’s been an up-and-down summer for rookie center Matt Gulbin. When Nick Allegretti suffered a calf strain on the first day of training camp, the Washington Commanders went with Julian Good-Jones in the starting lineup instead.
This choice was the clearest sign yet of how much development he needs, but the first preseason game left a glimmer of hope.
Gulbin flashed some encouraging moments. His snaps were on point, and there were some impressive reps in pass protection. While the Michigan State product doesn’t seem capable of challenging Allegretti for the starting job, the Commanders would be wise to give him the second-team reps over Good-Jones for the remainder of camp.
Winner No. 3
Quan Martin – Commanders DB
Martin made some encouraging plays against the Dolphins. It looked like his tackling technique had improved, and he arguably looked more comfortable than at any stage during the 2025 campaign. At a time when his aspirations are hanging in the balance, every little helps.
Loser No. 1
Sam Hartman – Commanders QB
Sam Hartman is not an NFL-caliber quarterback. There is a big enough sample size over the last three seasons to see that, and it’ll be interesting to see if the Commanders keep him around on the practice squad once again.
Hartman is clearly behind Athan Kaliakmanis in the pecking order right now. His poise lacks conviction, he doesn’t go through his progressions effectively enough, and the signal-caller’s decision-making is poor. Considering he’s had a long time to develop, it’s deeply disappointing.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Wire
5 takeaways from Commanders’ win over Dolphins
No separation at WR
We thought someone would separate themselves at receiver on Friday, but it didn’t really happen. Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, Antonio Williams, and Van Jefferson all caught one pass. Jaylin Lane caught three, while Jaden Bradley caught two. Luke McCaffrey didn’t have a catch. I wouldn’t sound any alarm bells over that. To judge these receivers fairly, they need to play with Daniels and/or Mariota. The Commanders could keep seven wide receivers, but if they keep four tight ends and running backs as expected, that becomes more challenging. Some assume Jefferson is the odd man out, but Washington really likes the veteran. Others wonder about Burks, but the Commanders really love his potential, and he’s worked hard since his arrival. And McCaffrey, a former third-round pick, has gotten better in each of the last two seasons, and he’s had a solid camp. It’s a good problem for Washington to have.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
Dorance Armstrong has been suspended for the first game of the 2026 regular season
The NFL announced on Friday afternoon that Commanders outside linebacker Dorance Armstrong has been suspended one game without pay for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. While Armstrong will now be sidelined for the week one regular season opener when the Commanders travel north to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, the first of two divisional games to open 2026, the veteran outside linebacker will be eligible to suit up on Friday night as the league announced Armstrong can participate in preseason activities and games.
Armstrong will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, Sept. 14 while JP Finlay reported following the news that the Commanders followed NFL protocols in terms of reporting and respecting the league’s investigation. Armstrong was arrested on May 10, 2025 on misdemeanor charges of assault causing bodily injury and resisting arrest. It marks a somewhat notable blow for the Commanders, though for Armstrong, it will prolong his official return to the field in regular season play.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Photos
Commanders.com
Commanders vs. Dolphins, preseason Week 1
Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders during their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Podcasts & videos
Commanders SHOW NEW DEPTH! 5 Names to Remember – Commanders 20, Dolphins 7 Preseason HIGHLIGHTS
NFC East links
Blogging the Boys
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the proverbial hot seat
If recent history is anything to go by, there will be a couple of mid-season coaching changes this season, just as there will be coaching changes after the season. And the sportsbooks are already getting jumpy. Betonline, for example, has running odds on which head coach will be fired first during the 2026 regular season, and Schottenheimer makes the top seven:
- Dan Quinn (3/1)
- Todd Bowles (7/2)
- Aaron Glenn (8/1)
- Zac Taylor (9/1)
- Shane Steichen (9/1)
- Nick Sirianni (12/1)
- Brian Schottenheimer (16/1)
Expectations are always high in Dallas, and the basic reality is that being on the hot seat is pretty much par for the course for a Cowboys head coach because:
A. he’s not winning the Super Bowl every year, and
B. he works for Jerry Jones.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
