Updated Commanders 53-Man Roster Projection After Two Preseason Games

The Washington Commanders roster picture has changed quite a bit since our last projection, which came after nine days of camp. Since that time, Drew Stevens won the kicking competition; Laremy Tunsil and Johnny Newton are both out with significant injuries; Marcus Mariota and Jeremy McNichols have been sidelined; and several new players are in the mix. The first two preseason games have allowed Athan Kaliakmanis, Kaytron Allen, Joshua Josephs, and Maurice Hurst II chances to strengthen their cases while others have lost ground. So with one preseason game remaining and several injury/reserve decisions still capable of changing the final roster math, here is Commanders Roster Projection 3.0.

Quarterback (3)

Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Athan Kaliakmanis

The quarterback position has been one of the biggest changes to the projection, which is now slotted at three quarterbacks. Marcus Mariota's MCL injury has put increased importance on the QB3 competition, and Athan Kaliakmanis has stepped into that spot. In what should be the final piece of evidence, Kaliakmanis completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards against the Lions while committing no turnovers and completing the three longest Commanders plays of the day. While Hartman hasn't played horribly, Kaliakmanis has clearly outplayed him and appears to be the right quarterback to have behind Daniels and Mariota moving forward.

#Commanders QB Athan Kaliakmanis (The Greek Rifle) All-22 vs the Lions

• 11 for 14 passing (79%)
• 162 pass yds
• 114.9 RTG
• 92.4 PFF grade #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/j0tXnFAMNT
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) August 23, 2026

Running Back (4)

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Jeremy McNichols

There are no changes at this position, but Robert Henry Jr. made it a bit more difficult to project after the Miami game, then slipped back against the Lions with minus three yards and a kickoff return fumble. Of course, Jeremy McNichols' injury didn't help much either. Kaytron Allen has only strengthened his case for his roster spot after putting up 85 yards and a touchdown against Miami, and then another 10 carries against Detroit.

Give Kaytron Allen an inch and he'll take a mile pic.twitter.com/36UJUETk8H
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) August 23, 2026

Wide Receiver (7)

Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, Jaylin Lane, Dyami Brown

While the seven receivers have not changed, undrafted rookie Jaden Bradley is a guy who has spent part of camp catching the attention of anyone looking. He also snagged two receptions against Detroit for 42 yards, including a nice, one-handed 30-yard catch while he was being held, along with a tackle on special teams. Bradley is making those at the bottom of the list give everything they've got until the final preseason game.

Tight End (4)

Chig Okonkwo, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff

John Bates' injury made this position interesting for a couple of weeks. During camp, a decent battle at the back end of the room emerged with Lawrence Cager and Colson Yankoff showing out. Yankoff has spent the entire camp process showcasing his improvements on the football field; his versatility and special-teams pathway continue to give him the edge for the final spot

Offensive Line (9)

Sam Cosmi, Chris Paul, Daniel Brunskill, Nick Allegretti, Matt Gulbin, Brandon Coleman, Josh Conerly Jr., Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott

Laremy Tunsil's injury really blew up this room. Brandon Coleman was close to beating out Chris Paul at left guard; now he has shifted back to left tackle. Nick Allegretti has yet to practice meaningfully with Jayden Daniels as the number one center this year, and Washington has zero reliable options otherwise. Rookie Matt Gulbin has looked serviceable, but he is a rookie with plenty to learn and room for growth. If the team was heading that direction, they should have been pushing that evaluation over the last few weeks with Allegretti out with a calf issue; instead, Julian Good-Jones has been the plug-in. Good-Jones is not the answer from what I've seen, and Quinn acknowledging that Washington still has work to do at center certainly doesn't suggest otherwise. You could make an argument for or against keeping Trent Scott over Nicholas Petit-Frere. But based on Scott’s familiarity with Washington and the fact that Petit-Frere is still trying to establish himself after not playing in 2025, Scott appears to be the safer pick, although I wasn't that impressed with Scott this camp or in the preseason. This group will likely see some shuffling as teams start to cut players and better options become available.

EDGE (3)

Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Joshua Josephs *** Reserve/Suspended - Dorance Armstrong for Week 1 ***

First and foremost, Dorance Armstrong is suspended for Week 1, which means he will not count in Week 1's total. Charles Omenihu's ability to play all along the defensive front will help pick up any slack if they only carry three. Not to mention, rookie Joshua Josephs' continued upward push has him in prime position to make a splash this season.

This is a very simple breakdown defensively. It is man coverage. The edge needs to play the QB here and keep contain.

Styles is doing his job and fitting inside of the WR. This isn't difficult stuff. pic.twitter.com/CAdcPth28D
— Nick Akridge (@nick_akridge) August 23, 2026

Defensive Tackle/Defensive Line (5)

Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle, Charles Omenihu, Maurice Hurst II

With Johnny Newton facing a significant absence, the team had to find someone who could replace his pass-rushing ability. Maurice Hurst II had two sacks, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and five combined tackles in his first game since being signed against the Lions. The team is not looking for starter reps out of Hurst, just rotational options currently.

Linebacker (5)

Sonny Styles, Frankie Luvu, Leo Chenal, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano

The real battle left here is between Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, and Ale Kaho, although Krys Barnes is probably the most capable of making any type of roster push to change this projection this late.

Can you tell the Commanders' new DC is a Flores guy?

Diabolical to break out a 6-man pressure with match coverage in the preseason like this lmao.

Perfect example of "pressure is the coverage" pic.twitter.com/hyi9g04N9O
— AJ Schulte (@AJSchulteFB) August 23, 2026

Cornerback (5)

Trey Amos, Rasul Douglas, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, Fabian Moreau

My only slight question about this group is about Trey Amos' lack of offseason work within the new defensive program. He has put in virtually no time during the new system's installation, but will likely be slung back into the top of the depth chart once cleared, which is concerning. Amik Robertson is a natural fit for Daronte Jones' system, and he showed that with his strip-sack against his old team, Detroit. Moreau's veteran presence rounds out the room well.

Safety (5)

Nick Cross, Quan Martin, Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens, Malik Spencer

The major change here is keeping Tyler Owens over Will Harris. Owens brings more to the conversation beyond defensive snaps, particularly through his athleticism, special-teams value, and ability to contribute in multiple roles. Harris offers veteran experience, but Owens' upside fits the defense's need for versatility.

Brought the boom 💥 pic.twitter.com/cjAkhQWb1R
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 23, 2026

Specialists (3)

Drew Stevens, Tress Way, Tyler Ott

Officially, the Washington Commanders released kicker Jake Moody and named Drew Stevens the kicker for the 2026 season. He kicked field goals from 27 and 32 yards, as well as the extra point after the lone Commanders touchdown against Detroit on Saturday. Tress Way is back for another year, and Tyler Ott keeps his place without any competition, rightfully so.

Players Outside the 53 Who Still Have a Chance

Commanders 53-man roster projection — Aug 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Nick Nash (19) catches the ball in front of Detroit Lions cornerback Nick Whiteside (38) in the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Van Jefferson, Hartman, Henry, Bradley, Good-Jones, Byron Cowart, Barnes, and Petit-Frere are players who are right on the outside looking in. Bradley and Henry realistically need another strong game to shift the roster math. Last-minute injuries, of course, could change the entire direction of this group.

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