QB Jayden Daniels looks ready for a breakout year, but injuries, roster gaps, and a WR1 contract standoff could sway Washington’s 2025 playoff odds.
Hogs Up Front
The Commanders enter Week 2 of camp with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations but concerning depth issues at key positions. Jayden Daniels looks primed for a sophomore leap, while rookie Josh Conerly Jr. represents the steal of their draft class.
QB Room Status: Daniels Leading, Depth Concerns Mounting
2025 QB Depth Chart Reality: The quarterback situation has shifted significantly since camp opened.
| QB Position Status | Current Standing |
|---|---|
| QB1: Jayden Daniels | Locked starter, working on pocket presence |
| QB2: Marcus Mariota | Limited by lower leg injury, unlikely for preseason |
| QB3: Josh Johnson vs. Sam Hartman | Battle for backup spot heating up |
| Development: David Blough (Assistant QB Coach) | Getting reps in scrimmage situations |
| Injury Concern: Mariota sidelined | Creates depth pressure behind Daniels |
Marcus Mariota has been out of practice with a lower leg injury, but was on the field after practice throwing the football along with Jayden Daniels and Josh Johnson. Mariota is unlikely to play in the preseason, and there haven’t been any updates on the injury. Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson have been battling for the QB3 spot either on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
The sharp money concern: Daniels took 47 sacks last season, and with backup depth compromised, any injury to the franchise QB creates immediate season-ending risk.
The Washington Commanders find themselves at a pivotal moment in 2025, balancing genuine Super Bowl potential with critical depth concerns and a lingering Terry McLaurin contract standoff. As highlighted in Commanders 2025: Crossroads of Destiny, how the front office navigates these challenges over the next few weeks could define their entire season.
Offensive Standouts: Rookie Surprise and Veteran Chemistry
Biggest Offensive Standout: Josh Conerly Jr. (OT)
The 29th overall pick is exceeding expectations at right tackle. According to PFF, Conerly played 14 pass block snaps and only allowed one pressure. PFF also gave Conerly a run block grade of 77.7. Head coach Dan Quinn praised his transition, noting “The quickness off the ball. Liked seeing him and LT (Laremy Tunsil) doing some things together… it just felt clean for him.”
Key Offensive Developments:
- Jayden Daniels-Zach Ertz connection: Based on training camp, it appears that will be the case again in 2025. They have consistently connected throughout practices, especially in the red zone
- Deebo Samuel integration: Daniels loves throwing the slot fade to Samuel and that’s what they connected on during a seven-on-seven drill in which he beat corner Mike Sainristil for a touchdown.
- Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt (RB): Croskey-Merritt worked with the starting offense on Thursday… He broke loose for a big run down the left sideline and showed impressive vision as he cuts through defenders on a run up the middle.
Concerning Trend: Washington’s Gold team defeated the Burgundy squad 14-0 in a two-quarter scrimmage Tuesday. The Burgundy team, featuring quarterback Jayden Daniels and the first-team offense, was largely ineffective.
Defensive Standouts: Young Talent Emerging
Biggest Defensive Standout: Mike Sainristil (CB)
The second-year cornerback is making a case for significant defensive snaps. If Lane had the best catch of training camp, then Sainristil had the best interception, which ironically came when he was covering the rookie wideout.
Defensive Development Notes:
- Marshon Lattimore: Limited participation, still working back from hamstring issues that plagued his late-season performance
- Jer’Zhan Newton (DT): Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton flashed a few times. On one play he showed his quickness by beating left guard Chris Paul to the inside for instant pressure. The Commanders are counting on the second-year Newton to take a big step.
- Undrafted Standout: Cameron Vigers (CB) showing potential: He had pass breakups working against Michael Gallup and KJ Osborn… he does a good job of putting himself in the right position.
Special Teams & Roster Moves
Special Teams Consistency: Matt Gay made all of his kicks again!! – indicating reliable kicking performance continues from 2024.
Recent Roster Activity: The team made three significant moves post-tryouts:
- Signed: Daryl Worley (CB) – veteran depth after tryout
- Roster Swap: Released Michael Strachan (WR), signed River Cracraft (WR)
- Evaluated but didn’t sign: OTs Cam Fleming and George Fant
Worley(30) was a Carolina Panthers 3rd round pick in 2016, and has been with 9 teams in 9 seasons. He started 7 games for the Tennessee Titans last season.
Major Injuries & Health Concerns
Current Injury Report:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Mariota | QB | Lower leg | Day-to-day, unlikely preseason |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | RB | Shoulder | Non-contact jersey, questionable |
| Brandon Coleman | OL | Concussion protocol | Monitoring |
| Deebo Samuel | WR | Jammed finger | Minor, not concerning |
Veterans on Rest Days: Several veterans including Laremy Tunsil and Zach Ertz weren’t at practice. – Standard veteran load management.
Coaching Staff Stability & Innovation
Dan Quinn’s Leadership Approach: The coaching staff remains stable with innovative training methods. Quinn wanted the staff to view the scrimmage as a chance to compete and grow as well… “I think at the core, if you’re a developmental coach, then you also want to develop the staff and give them chances to level up and to do things,” Quinn said ahead of the scrimmage.
Coordinator Performance:
- Kliff Kingsbury (OC): Working on Daniels’ pocket presence and footwork development
- Joe Whitt Jr. (DC): Quinn believes Whitt is uniquely qualified for that role. “He’s very organized, very detailed,” Quinn said. “Those are big parts of the job when you’re putting a whole group together and identity and standards”
Notable Development: Joint practice with Baltimore Ravens was cancelled due to scheduling issues. That limits snaps the starters can take against another team before the regular season opener against the New York Giants.
Trade Rumors & Roster Bubble Battles
Terry McLaurin Situation: McLaurin stood on the sideline during the Commanders’ Burgundy and Gold intrasquad game, wearing a hood over his head and chatting with teammates and team officials, including General Manager Adam Peters. McLaurin had not previously attended a practice on the field during his contractual standoff
Roster Bubble Competition:
- WR Battle: With McLaurin’s holdout, opportunities exist for Jaylin Lane, Ja’Corey Brooks, and River Cracraft
- CB Depth: Daryl Worley addition suggests concerns about depth behind Lattimore and Sainristil
- OL Competition: Josh Conerly Jr. pushing for starting role, potentially displacing Andrew Wylie
Sharp Betting Angles & Market Assessment
Season Win Total Implications:
- Positive: Daniels’ continued development, Conerly’s rapid emergence, defensive coordinator stability
- Negative: QB depth concerns, WR1 holdout, offensive line injuries, cancelled joint practice reducing preparation
Player Props to Watch:
- Jayden Daniels passing yards (potential increase with improved protection)
- Josh Conerly Jr. games started (rookie could be Week 1 starter)
- Deebo Samuel receptions (chemistry building with Daniels)
Bottom Line Assessment: The Commanders have legitimate playoff upside but concerning depth issues that create downside risk. The smart money is monitoring the McLaurin situation and Mariota’s injury status as season-defining factors. Confidence level: 7/10 on making playoffs, 4/10 on exceeding 11.5 win total without roster additions.
