The Washington Commanders are just a few days away from wrapping up the 2026 preseason.
So far, the team has learned quite a bit about the roster. We’ve seen some players step up and claim spots, we’ve seen others disappoint, and, unfortunately, we’ve seen some impactful injuries. Most of the roster spots are already accounted for, but there are definitely some spots at the bottom that are still being fought for.
The Commanders have to go from around 90 players to 53 by Sunday night. As a result, today, we’re going to identify four Commanders who are most in need of a big showing to wrap up the preseason.
RB Robert Henry Jr.
Robert Henry Jr. is a guy who was considered a long shot to make the team just last month. The team had Rachaad White, Bill Croskey-Merritt,
Jeremy McNichols, Kaytron Allen, and Jerome Ford ahead of the undrafted free agent.
However, Henry has exceeded expectations all summer. In the preseason opener, Henry rushed 12 times for 75 yards and one touchdown. The rookie showed off his shiftiness and speed, and if not for another strong performance from Kaytron Allen, it would have been the story of the game.
The problem is, Henry ended with negative yards in the second preseason game. McNichols is injured, which could open a spot for Henry, but if the veteran’s injury isn’t serious, it’s hard to imagine the team keeping five running backs.
WR Van Jefferson
It will be interesting to see how the wide receiver spots are handled. Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and Antonio Williams will be at the top of the depth chart, while the final couple of spots are still open. It seems like Treylon Burks has done enough to stick around, and I can’t imagine the team giving up on Jaylin Lane or Luke McCaffrey.
It also seems like Dyami Brown will stick around as a deep threat. If you’re doing the math, that means there’s not a spot for Van Jefferson. Jefferson isn’t as reliable down the field as Brown is, and he doesn’t have special teams value like Lane. Jefferson has had a solid summer, but it’s hard to find a spot for him here.
DT Ricky Barber
Ricky Barber is a guy who was not on many radars earlier this summer. However, the second-year defensive lineman has dominated during the preseason and firmly put himself in the mix. We know Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle, Daron Payne, and Charles Omenihu are making it, but Jer’Zhan Newton’s injury creates a space for Barber.
Barber had five tackles in each of the first two preseason games and also has one sack and three quarterback hits. That’s a level of production that deserves a roster spot.
CB Darius Rush
Darius Rush is another player who has had some impressive moments this summer. The corner seemingly got a better chance to make the team after Ahkello Witherspoon’s retirement, but it’s still far from guaranteed that Rush sticks around.
Luckily, Rush did play better in the second preseason game than the first. The corner came up with four tackles and had some nice moments in coverage. The problem is, there are probably five corners ahead of Rush on the depth chart, and it seems unlikely the team would keep six. The Commanders may try to sneak Rush onto the practice squad.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 4 Commanders most in need of a big preseason finish
