WR AJ Henning has Opportunity to Elevate Roster Status Against Washington
The Miami Dolphins will kick off their preseason schedule with a road game against the Washington Commanders on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. EST. This will be a game where fringe players will truly begin their battle to claim a spot on the 53-man roster. One of those players is 2025 undrafted free agent AJ Henning, who joined the Dolphins under the previous regime.
So Far So Good This Summer
Henning has been impressive this summer during training camp. He is making a major push to crack the Miami roster within a receiving room full of rookies, undrafted players, and journeymen veterans. The Dolphins released their initial depth chart earlier in the week, and Henning was behind third-year player Malik Washington as well as rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. at the slot position.
Henning has been mentioned often as a receiver who consistently creates separation and makes plays throughout training camp. Miami Dolphins team writer and podcaster Travis Wingfield tweeted on Friday, “A.J. Henning has made plays all summer, whether it’s 1-on-1s, team, or kick return; it doesn’t matter…he’s constantly getting open.”
During joint practice with the Commanders earlier in the week, Henning was one of the touchdown reception scorers during one-on-ones, as per reports from eyewitnesses and noted on DolphinsWire.com.
College Career and Versatility
Henning spent his college career at Northwestern from 2023-2024 and Michigan from 2020-2022. He showcased his versatility as a pass catcher and return man on both punts and kickoffs. As a wide receiver in college, he finished his five seasons with 129 receptions, 1,219 yards, and eight touchdowns.
On special teams, he averaged 8.6 yards per punt return and 22.7 yards per kickoff return. He scored in both areas, taking a punt to the house in 2022 for the Wolverines, as well as returning a kickoff for a touchdown in 2021.
As for 2026, Henning is not listed on the depth chart as a return man. Yet he has handled some kicks during practices, so that is something to watch for on Friday. He should get plenty of opportunities as a slot target and potentially as a returner, with Coleman Jr. out with an injury. Washington should start the game, but after a few series, Henning could be the man to see plenty of targets. He needs to continue what he has been doing throughout the summer.
Path and Potential
The depth chart also has veteran free agent Tutu Atwell behind rookie Caleb Douglas, who is deservingly listed as the team’s top wide receiver. Atwell is also behind Washington and Coleman as a punt returner, so it will be interesting to see what head coach Jeff Hafley wants to do. Especially in the spirit of competition, which has been a theme with this young roster throughout the early portions of camp.
At this moment, and according to the depth chart, Douglas and Jalen Tolbert are listed as the starters on the outside. Add Washington, Atwell, and Coleman Jr. to the mix, and the Dolphins could be looking for that final wideout to crack the roster.
The wild card in all of this is rookie Chris Bell, who is currently rehabbing and inching his way closer to a sooner-than-expected return from a November 2025 ACL injury. It remains to be seen when Bell will be activated, but all Henning can do is continue doing what he has been doing.
Friday night is a great opportunity for Henning to make his case. If he performs well, he could make things more difficult for Coleman when he returns to action and may even make Atwell expendable. Eyes will be on several players toward the back half of the roster, but Henning is a player who could have one of the best opportunities to step up and increase his stock.
