Projecting the Commanders’ 53-Man Roster After First Week of Camp

From RB battles and defensive line depth to ripple effects from Terry McLaurin’s contract hold-in, here’s who makes the Washington Commanders’ initial roster after five training camp practices.

Photo by Ben Standig

Five training camp practices in — only one in pads. How much more do you really need before projecting the Washington Commanders’ initial 53-man roster?

Okay, fine. You need more. We all do. Preseason games haven’t started, injuries will happen, and front-office curveballs are inevitable before final decisions are due Aug. 26. But we’ve seen enough to start connecting some dots. Here’s the position-by-position breakdown of who’s in, who’s out, and the roster debates bubbling up already.

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Quarterbacks (2)

Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota
Others: Josh Johnson, Sam Hartman

Is there room for a third quarterback? In a world run by Ben, the answer is almost always yes. Quarterback is too important to leave yourself vulnerable if injuries hit. But this roster has other groups that might demand an extra spot.

If it comes down to experience, Johnson — the 39-year-old journeyman back in Washington for a second go-round — is the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency choice. He was Lamar Jackson’s backup last year and still offers value as a steady mentor. But Daniels already has a strong support system around him.

My theory: Daniels and Mariota will barely play in the preseason, giving Johnson a long audition for other teams. He could wind up sticking around if Washington finds room for three. As for Hartman, he’s looked sharper this summer and can likely slide back to the practice squad for a redshirt year — then maybe challenge for QB2 in 2026.

Sidebar: Hartman ripped a dime down the right sideline Monday. Kinda loved it.

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Running Backs (3)

Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Others: Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kazmeir Allen, Demetric Felton

We’ll get to “Bill” in a second.

Ekeler is the only back here with proven three-down chops. Robinson remains a power option in short-yardage and goal-line spots, but he lacks explosion (just four 20+ yard plays on 207 touches last year) and continues to underwhelm as a receiver (just 20 catches last season under Kingsbury).

That opens the door — perhaps quickly — for Croskey-Merritt. At 5-foot-11, 208 pounds with 4.45 speed and a bruising style, “Bill” brings pop this offense lacked. Like Robinson, Croskey-Merritt runs with violence, but also flashes desired one-cut burst. He’s erratic, and his pass pro is a work in progress, but that potential…

Sidebar: McNichols is a staff favorite, especially for RB coach Anthony Lynn. If they keep four, he’s in the mix. And Rodriguez still has a narrow lane to make it. Allen keeps getting chances — they clearly value his home-run potential.

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Wide Receivers (5)

Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane
Others: Michael Gallup, K.J. Osborn, Chris Moore, Mike Strachan, Ja'Corey Brooks, Jacoby Jones, Tay Martin

McLaurin’s contract drama is the headline, but let’s pivot to WR2. Brown flashed in his abbreviated 2024 season but missed 13 games over the past two years. He’s still working back from a minicamp knee injury.

If Brown can’t stay upright, Gallup feels like the insurance — though he didn’t play at all last season and offers little on special teams. Moore, 32, has benefitted the most from McLaurin and Brown’s absences. If neither is considered a top-4 receiver, go with the flyer. Brooks is the one I’m most intrigued by: former Alabama 5-star recruit, legit athletic traits, and special teams value. He’s still raw (and inconsistent), but there’s upside.

Sidebar: All you zinging Samuel at mini-camp for his speed and physique are wise to stay mum. The camp chemistry with Daniels is evident.

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Tight Ends (4)

Zach Ertz, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff
Others: Cole Turner, Tyree Jackson, Lawrence Cager

This group looks like it could suit up for a YMCA hoops tourney. In past years, Turner, the 6-foot-7 Jackson, and Cager would be sleeper picks. Now? Yankoff’s athleticism and special teams juice edge them out.

Sidebar: Sinnott keeps flashing — Daniels hit him Monday on a timing throw over the middle, and the second-year TE turned it up field immediately. Also… is it me or does Ertz look quicker at 34?