ANDOVER, MD - The Washington Commanders set a balanced 53 around second-year QB Jayden Daniels, a veteran tight end room, and a four-back rotation, then moved quickly to lock in early practice-squad depth.
The biggest decisions
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Daniels leads a three-QB depth chart with Marcus Mariota and Josh Johnson.
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Austin Ekeler headlines a four-back committee; Zach Ertz remains TE1 with youngsters behind him.
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Veteran specialists (Tress Way, Matt Gay, Tyler Ott) return.
Initial 53 by position
- Quarterback
- Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Josh Johnson
- Running back
- Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- Tight end
- Zach Ertz, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff
- Wide receiver
- Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Jaylin Lane, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey
- Offensive Line
- Defensive line
- Deatrich Wise Jr., Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Jacob Martin, Johnny Newton, Dorance Armstrong, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Eddie Goldman
- Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Safety
- Special Teams
- Tress Way, Tyler Ott, Matt Gay
Practice squad (initial group)
14 players signed, including depth at OL/DB and developmental skill players.
- DT Ricky Barber, WR Ja’Corey Brooks, TE Lawrence Cager, DT Sheldon Day, C Michael Deiter, CB Antonio Hamilton Sr., QB Sam Hartman, DE Jalyn Holmes, WR Jacoby Jones, DE T.J. Maguranyanga, S Rob McDaniel, G Timothy McKay, WR Chris Moore, CB Car’lin Vigers
What it means
Dan Quinn's group leans into versatility. Keeping four tight ends reflects an emphasis on play-action and heavy personnel to complement Daniels' mobility. Ekeler's third-down value plus Rodriguez's short-yardage punch gives the backfield clear roles. With established specialists and rangy DB additions, Washington can win field position while the offense grows into a more explosive identity by mid-season.
