ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders open the 2026 NFL regular season at the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 13 at Lincoln Financial Field. But first, they play one more preseason game Friday against the Baltimore Ravens and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
The Commanders will have tough decisions at receiver, where they have eight players worthy of a roster spot. That could result in a possible trade -- potentially for a pick or, perhaps, more interior offensive line depth.
The secondary will be interesting to watch as well, in part because corner Trey Amos has barely practiced this summer and last year's starting safeties, Will Harris and Quan Martin, could both be fighting for a roster spot this year. It will be interesting to see how they handle players such as left tackle Laremy Tunsil (out with a torn triceps) and defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton (torn pec). Both will miss significant time, but if there's a chance they can return, both could be placed on injured reserve prior to final cuts -- with a return designation.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Commanders.
Quarterbacks (3)
Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Athan Kaliakmanis
With so many tough calls on offense, keeping three quarterbacks is somewhat difficult. But they drafted Kaliakmanis in the sixth round and he had a good enough preseason debut to warrant a spot. With Daniels missing 10 full games and parts of three others in 2025, quarterback depth is a necessity. Mariota also is nursing a sprained right medial collateral ligament.
Running backs (4)
Rachaad White, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Robert Henry Jr., Kaytron Allen
Allen offers a different type of runner, able to get tough yards inside. Fellow rookie Henry Jr. is a possibility if they keep four at the position -- veterans Jeremy McNichols (quad) and Jerome Ford (hamstring) are hurt -- but a tough second preseason game didn't help. Washington wants to emphasize the run game more, but it likely will be by committee with White in particular on third downs while Croskey-Merritt offers more explosiveness in the run game.
Wide receivers (7)
Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown
This is easily the toughest call on offense as eight players warrant a spot, as well as veteran Van Jefferson. But others are ahead in part because of their special teams ability -- notably Lane and McCaffrey. The latter needs to prove more as a receiver and that's where Jefferson could edge him out. Washington has far more depth here than in 2025.
Tight ends (4)
Chig Okonkwo, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff
It's a deeper group with the addition of Okonkwo and the development of Yankoff. The Commanders are expected to use their tight ends more in the pass game, whereas in the past they featured just Zach Ertz. Bates remains one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL while Okonkwo provides explosive play potential. Lawrence Cager falls prey to numbers at this position.
Offensive line (8)
Brandon Coleman, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, Josh Conerly Jr., Andrew Wylie, Matt Gulbin, Trent Scott
Eight is not enough and the depth remains a question, particularly inside. With so many tough calls elsewhere, veteran Julian Good-Jones could stick as a backup center but an inability to also play guard limits him and he could end up on the practice squad. Regardless, the Commanders should be on the lookout for more help after final cuts -- this number should get to nine before the opener. This list, of course, includes Tunsil opening on injured reserve.
Defensive line (6)
Daron Payne, Tim Settle, Javon Kinlaw, Charles Omenihu, Byron Cowart, Shy Tuttle
Washington will play a base 3-4 front and Settle will be their nose tackle, but because he's coming off a Lis Franc injury, Tuttle can provide depth. Jer'Zhan Newton is out for a significant time because of a torn pectoral, paving the way for someone else; we'll pick Cowart though Ricky Barber could be another option. Payne, Kinlaw and Omenihu have had good summers while Newton, a 2024 second-round pick, adds quickness -- but he needs to become more consistent.
Linebackers (9)
K'Lavon Chaisson, Odafe Oweh, Sonny Styles, Frankie Luvu, Leo Chenal, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Joshua Josephs
There's one glaring absence: Dorance Armstrong, who is suspended and won't count against the 53-man roster until Week 2, so he'll soon be on the roster. Medrano or Ale Kaho will get a final spot as an inside linebacker and special teamer. It's possible both make the cut. This is a faster, more athletic group than they've had in a long, long time.
Cornerbacks (4)
Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, Rasul Douglas
With questions about Amos' health -- he's practiced one day this camp -- a fifth corner becomes necessary (coordinator Daronte Jones doesn't always rely on three-corner nickel packages). Antonio Hamilton and Darius Rush can be kept on the practice squad for special teams depth. The question will be who else plays outside when Amos is healthy: Douglas excels in zone while both Sainristil and Robertson can play in the slot or outside.
Safeties (5)
Nick Cross, Jeremy Reaves, Quan Martin, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens
Four spots are easy to call: Cross and Reaves have worked as the starters while Butler and Owens are special teams standouts. Jones likes using three safety sets and he prizes versatility, which gives Martin an edge over veteran Will Harris. Washington also could try to trade Martin and keep Harris; it's a tight call.
Special teams (3)
Tress Way (P), Drew Stevens (K), Tyler Ott (LS)
Stevens has been more consistent kicking field goals than veteran Jake Moody and has a stronger leg. The main issue: Stevens has never kicked in an NFL game so he's unproven. It's also possible another kicker comes free and Washington takes a look. But Stevens did have a solid summer. Way and Ott were locks.
