The Commanders have employed a large roster over the spring and summer. It’s now time to trim this 91-man group to 53 active players.
We’re at that point now, with Washington’s preseason formally ending with Friday night’s 41-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
The roster limit drops by a bunch on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
This is never an easy stretch in the NFL, for players who don’t make the initial cutdown or the subsequently practice squad formed.
It is part of the league’s structure,
with competition and fit ultimately deciding which players make the 53-man roster. After taking Washington’s training camp and full preseason slate into consideration, here’s how the roster could shape up, with some notes on folks who could be on the move right after.
OFFENSE
Quarterback (3)
Jayden Daniels
Marcus Mariota
Athan Kaliakmanis
Analysis: Athan Kaliakmanis wasn’t given a spot on this roster. The seventh-round pick earned it, and Friday night’s mess didn’t take that away. He has proven a daring playmaker unafraid of pushing the ball down field. He deserves a role as the No. 3 quarterback and while developing as a signal caller.
Running back (4)
Bill Croskey-Merritt
Rachaad White
Kaytron Allen
Jeremy McNichols
Analysis: Jeremy McNichols has been out for some time now with a quadriceps injury, and his return timetable remains unknown. His track record as an all-around back, especially as a pass protector, is worth a spot. If he needs an IR stint, the Commanders can elevate Robert Henry Jr. from his likely destination, the practice squad.
Receiver (6)
Terry McLaurin
Stefon Diggs
Antonio Williams
Jaylin Lane
Treylon Burks
Dyami Brown
Analysis: It’s very possible that I got swayed too much by Friday night’s preseason game. Seeing Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown sit while Luke McCaffrey played changed my mind about this position group. Appropriately or not, I moved McCaffrey off the list at the last minute. Dan Quinn said some of the reasoning of who played Friday was about snaps coming off the joint practice. That didn’t change my mind.
If that was all for show or to generate trade leverage for another receiver or McCaffrey simply was asked to play over others, then I’ll own it. The signs just seemed so clear on Friday night.
I also originally had Jaden Bradley making it over a vet — you’ve gotta make a bold prediction somewhere — but I pulled that back and followed the breadcrumbs in this position group.
Tight end (4)
John Bates
Chig Oknokwo
Ben Sinnott
Colson Yankoff
Analysis: The first three on the list are givens. Colson Yankoff has proven an adept receiver and a core special teams player. With how much tight ends are featured in coordinator David Blough’s scheme, they need a fourth tight end with Yankoff’s versatility.
Offensive line (9)
Brandon Coleman
Chris Paul
Nick Allegretti
Sam Cosmi
Josh Conerly Jr.
D.J. Humphries
Trent Scott
Andrew Wylie
Matt Gulbin
Analysis: I’ll be honest. I don’t love this position group’s construction. There are too many career tackles and not enough interior guys. Trent Scott has some experience at guard and that’ll help in reserve, with Matt Gulbin as the primary backup center. You don’t see Julian Good-Jones listed here. Maybe that’s a surprise, maybe not. He just hasn’t played well. I’d bet Washington exercises patience with recent signing D.J. Humphries and lets him acclimate over the next few weeks.
I also think Washington isn’t finished with this position group, and we’ll see some adds either before or shortly after roster cuts. Oh, and Laremy Tunsil will be designated to return off IR on cut day if there’s even a shred of possibility he can come back this season.
DEFENSE
Defensive line (5)
Daron Payne
Charles Omenihu
Tim Settle
Shy Tuttle
Javon Kinlaw
Analysis: Leaving Ricky Barber – and a sixth defensive lineman overall – off the roster was a tough choice considering the rotational nature of the position group. The Commanders can make do with five and keep Barber and maybe Byron Cowart on the practice squad for use as elevations should depth be required in the early going.
Edge rushers (4)
Odafe Oweh
K’Lavon Chaisson
Joshua Josephs
Jovantae Jean-Baptiste
Analysis: Dorance Armstrong’s one-game suspension starts on Sunday, so he’ll be added to the group once he’s eligible to return. Jovantae Jean-Baptiste could be moved to make up for him. We’re going with four edge rushers here, especially with linebacker Leo Chenal capable of setting into a role rushing the passer, if required in a pinch.
Inside linebackers (5)
Sonny Styles
Frankie Luvu
Leo Chenal
Jordan Magee
Kain Medrano
Analysis: Overall, this is a deep and talented group with tons of speed. Sonny Styles, Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal are a really good frontline group. The Commanders have a quality reserve and special teams player with Jordan Magee I’m not going to be swayed by Friday’s mess, where Kain Medrano and Ale Kaho struggled. Medrano stays as an important special teams player.
Cornerbacks (5)
Mike Sainristil
Amik Robertson
Trey Amos (to IR)
Rasul Douglas
Fabian Moreau
Analysis: Trey Amos has hardly practiced. Not in the offseason program, barely in training camp. Even if he’s not an immediate IR candidate, he’ll need time to get in shape and acclimate. That’s why five cornerbacks are necessary here, safety Tyler Owens capable of playing in the slot. Antonio Hamilton was considered, but Fabian Moreau sitting out Friday night (and Quinn’s recent compliments) suggests he’ll make the team.
Safeties (5)
Quan Martin
Nick Cross
Jeremy Reaves
Tyler Owens
Percy Butler
Analysis: The (relatively) early Will Harris release took some drama from this position group, with Nick Cross, Quan Martin and Jeremy Reaves as the steady defensive options. Tyler Owens can play nickel back as well, providing the versatility required of coordinator Daronte Jones’ defense. Butler’s another key special teams asset.
Specialists (3)
Drew Stevens
Tress Way
Tyler Ott
Analysis: No notes on this one. Stevens won the kicking job fair and square. Way and Ott are real pros.
