Commanders Rule Out 15 Players for Preseason Game vs. Lions

Washington will be without 15 players against Detroit, creating expanded opportunities for several young players still fighting for roster spots and roles.

Aug 14, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Robert Henry Jr. (30) carries the ball past Miami Dolphins cornerback Marco Wilson (21) en route to a touchdown during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Washington Commanders officially ruled out 15 players for Saturday's game against the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Jayden Daniels' name was not among the players listed. Several players on the roster are dealing with injuries. If you take a quick look, you'll see the team will be without three running backs and several pieces on its defensive front.

Washington’s Full List of Players Ruled Out

• RB Rachaad White
• QB Marcus Mariota
• RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
• CB Trey Amos
• RB Jeremy McNichols
• OLB K’Lavon Chaisson
• LB Jordan Magee
• C Nick Allegretti
• LT Laremy Tunsil
• DE Deatrich Wise Jr.
• DE Dorance Armstrong
• DT Daron Payne
• DT Johnny Newton
• DT Tim Settle
• OLB Odafe Oweh

With Rachaad White, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Jeremy McNichols out for this game, expect to see another heavy dose of Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen. The younger defensive linemen and back end of the roster will get the attention Saturday, with most of the defensive front not suiting up. The Detroit game may not feature many of Washington’s established players, but the absences create plenty of meaningful evaluation opportunities for players still fighting for roster spots and roles.

Stefon Diggs rockin’ 3️⃣ today

His official number has not yet been determined and will be announced after roster cutdowns pic.twitter.com/naCAHW3hKI

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 22, 2026

Sign up for our free newsletter and follow the Burgundy & Gold on Facebook and the Commanders on SI on X for the latest news. You can also subscribe to our Facebook Messenger News Channel, which is the fastest and easiest way to actually see our articles while on any Meta product.