Malik Washington: Everything you need to know

Washington (thumb) is facing increased competition for targets and snaps after Miami selected three rookie wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, Julio Vasquez of USA Today reports. Washington remains a major beneficiary of the Dolphins' decision to trade Jaylen Waddle to Denver and cut Tyreek Hill (ACL) this offseason, with an argument to be made that he stands as the No. 1 WR for new QB Malik Willis even after Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell were signed in free agency. Miami adding two third-round rookie wideouts in Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell (ACL), plus Kevin Coleman in the fifth round, doesn't necessarily knock Washington out of the mix for the top spot, but the 2024 sixth-rounder is now facing significantly more competition for targets in what may be a run-first offense led by RB De'Von Achane and Willis' dual-threat abilities. Washington posted 427 total yards on offense and four TDs while also thriving in the return game last season, and he's presumably recovered from the thumb injury he sustained Week 18.

Washington exited Sunday's game against the Patriots with a thumb injury. Before his departure from the contest, Washington caught one pass for two yards and a TD and ran twice for 22 yards. Cedrick Wilson, Theo Wease, Tahj Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are the Dolphins' available WRs in Week 18 while Washington is sidelined.

Washington secured one of three targets for four yards during Sunday's 20-17 win over Tampa Bay. He also carried the ball once for one yard. Washington failed to make a significant impact in the receiving game Sunday despite the fact that Jaylen Waddle was forced to the sideline due to a ribs injury midway through the second quarter and didn't return to action until late in the third. Overall, Washington's most significant contribution to Miami's win over the Buccaneers may have been the 47-yard kick return he managed late in the third quarter. He'll have one more chance to demonstrate chemistry with Quinn Ewers in the Dolphins' regular-season finale on the road at New England in Week 18.