The Washington Commanders announced 41 players would be inactive for their preseason finale on Friday against the Baltimore Ravens. That’s not unexpected around the NFL, with teams using the third and final preseason game as a way to feature players battling for a roster spot or to figure out the depth chart.
So, when the Commanders revealed their inactive list, six wide receivers were listed: Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams, Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks and Jaylin Lane. Two notable names were missing from the inactives: Luke McCaffrey and Van Jefferson.
Was Washington trying to tell us something?
NFL teams usually keep anywhere from five to seven wide receivers on their 53-man rosters. Generally, teams keep six. If we are to take
anything from the Commanders keeping these six receivers inactive, McCaffrey, a 2024 third-round pick, is on the outside looking in. Washington also likes Jefferson, a veteran signed in March.
By all accounts, McCaffrey has enjoyed a solid training camp. The 6-foot-2 brother of Christian McCaffrey had become the Commanders’ primary kickoff returner last season before a broken collarbone in Week 9 ended his season. He’d finish his second NFL season with 11 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns, and also averaged over 18 yards per reception. McCaffrey averaged almost 30 yards per kickoff return.
However, once Washington signed Diggs early in training camp, that wide receiver room went from a question mark to a team strength. The Commanders were going to be forced to cut a quality receiver or two they liked. With so many other question marks, specifically along the offensive line due to injuries, keeping an extra receiver may not be the best decision.
Friday was a tough night for Washington, ending what has been a week to forget. After being dominated in Wednesday’s joint practice, that carried over into Friday’s preseason finale. The Ravens dominated the Commanders, defeating them 41-3. It was every bit as ugly as the score indicates.
McCaffrey caught one pass for 17 yards on three targets. He also had a drop. His lone catch was impressive, but the drop was equally frustrating.
Meanwhile, Jefferson also caught one pass for 17 yards on two targets. He also had a drop.
NFL teams have until 6 p.m. ET on Sunday to trim their rosters from 90 players to 53.
Did Washington enter Friday’s preseason finale knowing it was keeping six receivers? Was GM Adam Peters trying to showcase McCaffrey in a potential trade for some veteran offensive line depth? And, if McCaffrey was battling for a spot on the 53, did he help or hurt himself?
After the Commanders’ showing in Baltimore this week, Peters may have bigger issues on his plate than deciding who is the last wide receiver to keep.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Were Commanders sending a message to wide receivers ahead of preseason finale?
