The Washington Commanders close out the 2024 preseason at home against the New England Patriots on Sunday. There’s a good chance that Washington’s starters, including rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, do not play.
With so many players still battling to make the 53-man roster, who will be under center for the Commanders? That could be particularly important for some of the wide receivers competing for one of the final spots on the roster.
Whether it’s Jeff Driskel, Sam Hartman, or Trace McSorley, a handful of receivers are looking to make one last impression before the NFL’s roster cutdown date next week.
Eric Edholm of NFL.com named one thing to watch for all 32 NFL teams for this weekend’s preseason finales. For Washington, he’s looking at the receivers.
With Jayden Daniels being named the starter this week, the Commanders can probably put a lid on him until Week 1 at Tampa Bay. Daniels’ solid Week 2 performance was just a taste of the talent that will come in the regular season. What’s less clear heading into the opener is who the second receiver will be after Terry McLaurin. Dyami Brown has made a run for the gig, having caught three passes for 19 yards on the first drive against the Dolphins. None of the other candidates for that job made major noise, as Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson had quiet nights. Will any or all of them play against New England, likely working with backup QBs? That remains to be seen.
It’s unlikely that McLaurin plays on Sunday, too. And while Dotson hasn’t the best camp, he’s not on the bubble. So, for players like Brycen Tremayne, Mitchell Tinsley, and Jamison Crowder, Sunday’s game is massive for chances to make the roster.