Back to the Preseason Updates Landing Page.
One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Jayden Daniels exits the preseason healthy and focused on building off last year's spectacular debut, the rare dual-threat capable of driving a high-scoring attack through both explosive plays and steady efficiency. Washington limited his exposure to a single series, but it was enough to remind observers of his command as he marched the team downfield for a quick touchdown. His combination of arm talent and rushing threat makes him one of the premier fantasy options at the position, and the continuity he provides has become a stabilizing force for the roster. Marcus Mariota is expected to remain the backup despite a nagging leg injury that limited his participation, and while the team could look to add a third quarterback, neither Sam Hartman nor Josh Johnson appears to have done enough this summer to secure a spot on the 53. The likely outcome is that Washington carries two quarterbacks initially and explores practice-squad options, though Mariota's health could still influence that decision.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The backfield underwent its most dramatic shift when Brian Robinson Jr. was traded, a move that opened the door for a restructured committee and underscored the front office's belief in younger talent. Austin Ekeler is expected to be deployed primarily in passing situations, maximizing his versatility while limiting his early-down workload. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt enters Week 1 as the favorite for early-down carries after flashing explosiveness throughout camp and being held out of the preseason finale with other established starters, a signal of how the staff views his role. Chris Rodriguez Jr.. has reshaped his body, played with more burst, and earned Dan Quinn's confidence as the short-yardage option capable of replacing Robinson's production in tight spaces. Jeremy McNichols rounds out the group with the versatility to handle spot snaps in multiple phases and provide steady special-teams value. It is a young backfield behind Ekeler, but one that the coaching staff appears comfortable leaning on to handle a variety of roles.
