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Commanders | Hard work pays off for Chris Rodriguez Sun Aug 31, 03:30 PM
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. spent a month and a half in Atlanta this offseason working to become faster and lighter, while focusing on strength and mobility training. Rodriguez shed weight, dropping to 222 pounds. He also worked on a program to improve his pass catching and route running. 'I like his fight,' head coach Dan Quinn said. 'I like that he really worked hard to change his body, and those are things that, when people continue to show you that, then you pay attention.'
Footballguys view: Rodriguez isn't flashy, but he has the hard-nosed downhill running style to become the first option in short yardage and to salt away wins in a committee backfield. He's the cheapest in drafts, but Rodriguez has the valuable goal line touches and could easily end up being the best fantasy option in the Washington backfield. |
Washington Commanders WR Deebo Samuel dropped weight this offseason and looks 'leaner and faster,' according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
Footballguys view: Samuel got too big and out of shape with the 49ers, partly to have better protection from the beating he takes on the field. That added weight made the run-after-the-catch specialist look sluggish. Samuel gets a fresh start with the Commanders and has one of the best young quarterbacks throwing him the ball. He's a WR3 for Fantasy GMs with the upside to be more if he stays healthy. |
Deebo Samuel Sr. player page
Free-agent RB Donovan Edwards (Jets) was signed to the Washington Commanders practice squad Thursday, Aug. 28.
Link to storyFree-agent WR Ja'Corey Brooks (Commanders), TE Lawrence Cager (Commanders), QB Sam Hartman (Commanders), WR Jacoby Jones (Commanders) and WR Chris Moore (Commanders) were signed to the Washington Commanders practice squad Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Link to storyChris Moore player page
Lawrence Cager player page
Updating a previous report, Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin received a three-year, $87 million deal with $44 million fully guaranteed. That converts to $50 million in April 2027. The deal includes a $30 million signing bonus and reachable incentives based on yards, catches, touchdowns, Pro Bowls and playoff berths.
Link to storyTerry McLaurin player page
Washington Commanders OG Samuel Cosmi (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list Tuesday, Aug. 26, and will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Link to storyWashington Commanders RB Kazmeir Allen, WR Ja'Corey Brooks, TE Lawrence Cager, WR River Cracraft, WR Jacoby Jones and TE Cole Turner were released Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Link to storyLawrence Cager player page
Kazmeir Allen player page
Washington Commanders WR Tay Martin was waived Tuesday, Aug. 28, according to a source.
Link to storyWashington Commanders RB Demetric Felton was waived Tuesday, Aug. 28, according to a source.
Link to storyDemetric Felton player page
Washington Commanders QB Sam Hartman was waived Tuesday, Aug. 26, but will go to the practice squad if he goes unclaimed.
Link to storyWashington Commanders WR Chris Moore was released Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Link to storyChris Moore player page
Washington Commanders WR K.J. Osborn was released Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Link to storyK.J. Osborn player page
Washington Commanders WR Michael Gallup and WR Braylon Sanders were released Monday, Aug. 25.
Link to storyMichael Gallup player page
Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin agreed to a three-year, $96 million extension Monday, Aug. 25.
Footballguys view: McLaurin has some catching up to do. After reporting to training camp earlier this month, he was placed on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury. He was activated from the PUP list Aug. 16, but hasn't practiced yet, and his average draft position has fallen to WR19 (down about five spots from its high). Still, by getting McLaurin back in the fold, the Commanders give Jayden Daniels his favorite target when the season begins, and that's good news for all involved, including fantasy investors. |
Terry McLaurin player page
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 34 yards on five carries during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Aug. 23.
Footballguys view: Rodriguez is going to bring the power to the Commanders' backfield in 2025. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Austin Ekeler have plenty of speed and quickness, but neither are the hammer that Rodriguez is. He could vulture some rushing touchdowns this season. |
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s role could increase after the team dealt RB Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers.
Link to storyWashington Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt's role will vastly increase after the Commanders traded RB Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick Friday, Aug. 22.
Link to storyWashington Commanders WR Noah Brown (knee) is making progress in his recovery and is close to returning to practice, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Footballguys view: Brown is big, fast, physical...and oft-injured in his pro career. Only Fantasy GMs in deep dynasty should be monitoring this situation. |
Noah Brown player page
Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (Achilles) said he has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis but believes he will be available for the start of the regular season.
Link to storyMarcus Mariota player page
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. is expected to be the team's short-yardage and goal-line running back, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Footballguys view: That sounds about right. Rodriguez drew the start in Week 2 preseason against the Bengals and looked good. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Austin Ekeler will get work in space and early downs, while Rodriguez could come onto the field in short-yardage and goal-line situations. |
Washington Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. was excused from practice on Wednesday, Aug. 20, by head coach Dan Quinn, according to Josh Taylor of AtoZSports.
Link to storyWashington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is unlikely to receive the deal he's seeking at the number he wants, in the opinion of rival decision-makers.
Footballguys view: Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, a deal in the range of $27-28 million per season is reasonable. But even before McLaurin requested a trade due to a stalemate in talks, there was a belief that he wanted at least $33 million per season. There's no indication the Commanders are actively shopping McLaurin in a trade. He was activated off the physically unable to perform list by the club on Saturday while dealing with an ankle injury. The Commanders will return to practice on Wednesday. It's unclear if McLaurin will be on the field with his teammates. We'll continue to monitor. |
Terry McLaurin player page
Washington Commanders CB Trey Amos (hamstring) did not play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Aug. 18, due to tightness in his hamstring.
Link to storyThe Commanders reportedly are shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr.. The report gained significant credence when Robinson didn't play in Monday night's preseason game against the Bengals. After the game, Commanders coach Dan Quinn said that both he and G.M. Adam Peters spoke to Robinson on Sunday afternoon, and there are "a lot of moving parts" to the situation. Regardless of where the moving parts will go, the signs are pointing toward the Commander's moving on. "News like that's always not easy," Quinn said regarding the conversation with Robinson.
Footballguys view: As a rookie, Robinson returned from being shot in the leg during a carjacking attempt in August to rush for 797 yards in 12 games. In 2023, he gained 733 yards in 15 games, along with 368 receiving yards. Last year, he ran for a career-high 799 yards in 14 games. He added 159 receiving yards. In the final year of his rookie contract, Robinson has a base salary of $3.4 million. Meanwhile, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt appears to be in line for a significant role going forward, although Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Austin Ekeler are also in the mix. |
Brian Robinson Jr player page
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran six times for a game-high 62 yards in a preseason win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Aug. 18.
Link to storyWashington Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a team-high 11 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Aug. 18. Croskey-Merritt added a pair of receptions but totaled zero yards.
Link to storyWashington Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. will not play in the preseason game Monday, Aug. 18, according to sources. There is a possibility Robinson is traded before the start of the season.
Footballguys view: In fact, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports the decision to have Robinson sit out is a mutual one as the trade talks play out. Robinson is listed as the top back on the Commanders' depth chart, but surveying trade interest suggests they don't think he's a vital piece to their offensive puzzle in 2025. Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols, and seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt are the backs behind Robinson on the depth chart. But make no mistake: Croskey-Merritt's impressive camp appears to be a driving factor here. |
The Commanders are shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr., FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz reports.
Footballguys view: Austin Ekeler and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt are behind Robinson on the depth chart. Robinson, a third-round pick in 2022, started 13 of the 14 games he played last season. He had 187 carries for a career-best 799 yards and a career-best eight touchdowns. In three seasons, Robinson has 635 touches for 2,916 yards and 20 touchdowns. But the reporting on Croskey-Merritt has been positive since camp opened, and long-time Commanders observer Ben Standig suggested last week there might not be room on the roster for both Robinson and the seventh-round rookie. We'll continue to monitor. |
Brian Robinson Jr player page
The Washington Commanders activated WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) from the Physically Unable to Perform list Saturday, Aug. 16.
Footballguys view: This is a procedural move and has nothing to do with his contract situation. This ankle injury has kept him out of action officially, but McLaurin is not participating in practice and has even asked for a trade since the Commanders have not given him a new contract. There is no current movement in that matter, but deals get done at deadlines and the regular season is just a few weeks away. |
Terry McLaurin player page
Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) needs to begin on-field work soon, according to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. 'I think we're kind of at that point to where we need to start getting those guys, when they're available, out there and jelling to see where we are as an offense,' Kingsbury said.
Footballguys view: This is our first indication that the Commanders are getting impatient with McLaurin. If he doesn't get back on the practice field in the next two weeks, we should be prepared for him to at best start slow, and at worst miss regular season games. Deebo Samuel has had a good summer and could be a reliable fantasy option in September if McLaurin is out or not his usual self. |
Terry McLaurin player page
Free-agent WR Makai Polk (Falcons) and WR Cody Thompson (Buccaneers) recently worked out for the Washington Commanders. The Commanders also worked out undrafted free-agent QB Jordan McCloud (Texas State).
Link to storyCody Thompson player page
Free-agent WR River Cracraft (Seahawks) signed with the Washington Commanders Thursday, Aug. 14. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also released WR Mike Strachan.
Link to storyMike Strachan player page
Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) has reportedly reached an 'impasse' in negotiations on a contract extension, per ESPN's John Keim, who noted that when the wideout stood on the sideline during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 12, it was the first time he's been seen in a practice session during training camp. McLaurin remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but he is effectively 'holding in' while looking for a new deal. McLaurin has already requested a trade.
Footballguys view: It's still too early to worry about McLaurin missing regular season games or having his conditioning affected by this hold-in, but it is looking more rational to break ties against him. If this extends into late August, then we might be considering taking receivers like Jameson Williams over McLaurin. These situations usually get worked out, but it sounds like there is a big gap between what McLaurin wants and what the Commanders are willing to give him. |
Terry McLaurin player page
Washington Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (shoulder) suffered what is being termed a minor injury in the preseason opener against the New England Patriots, but it was enough to hold him out of a scrimmage Tuesday, Aug. 12 as a precaution.
Link to storyWashington Commanders WR Deebo Samuel has taken advantage of the absences of WR Terry McLaurin, who is not practicing while seeking a new contract or trade, and WR Noah Brown (knee), who is recovering from a knee injury, to 'develop a growing rapport' with QB Jayden Daniels, according to ESPN's John Keim.
Footballguys view: Keim went on to note the chemistry has been on display since camp started when Samuel and Daniels connected on a deep ball. Daniels loves throwing the slot fade to Samuel, who has found success with it in practice sessions. Daniels said the connection can get even better. "Deebo is starting to understand how I see things," Daniels said. Samuel is being drafted as WR37. Landing him outside your top three at the position is a reasonable gamble on potential upside. |
Deebo Samuel Sr. player page
The Washington Commanders are expected to sign free-agent CB Essang Bassey (Lions) after a tryout Sunday, Aug. 10, a source said.
Link to storyEssang Bassey player page
The Washington Commanders signed free-agent LB Duke Riley (Dolphins) on Sunday, Aug. 10. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Link to storyDuke Riley player page
Washington Commanders PK Matt Gay misfired on one of his two field-goal attempts in the preseason game against the New England Patriots, but he made his only point-after attempt. Head coach Dan Quinn was asked if there were plans to bring in competition for the starting job. 'Fair question, but that's not where we're at,' Quinn said Sunday, Aug. 10.
Link to storyMatt Gay player page
The Washington Commanders worked out free-agents LB Amare Barno, DB Essang Bassey, OG Lester Cotton, DB Antonio Hamilton, OT John Leglue, DB Keni-H Lovely, OG Tashawn Manning, DE Jeremiah Martin, LB Nicholas Morrow, LB Tanner Muse, LB Ronnie Perkins, LB Duke Riley, LB Sione Takitaki and LB Oshane Ximines.
Link to storyAntonio Hamilton Sr. player page
Duke Riley player page
Nicholas Morrow player page
Oshane Ximines player page
Sione Takitaki player page
Essang Bassey player page
Tanner Muse player page
Ronnie Perkins player page
Jeremiah Martin player page
Washington Commanders OT Lucas Niang (knee) suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the preseason opener against the New England Patriots, and head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Niang is out for the season.
Link to storyWashington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (leg) was unable to play in the preseason opener against the New England Patriots, and he did not practice Sunday, Aug. 10. Still, all indications are the team has low concern, and it is believed to be a short-term issue.
Link to storyMarcus Mariota player page
Washington Commanders RB Jeremy McNichols rushed three times for 18 yards and a touchdown in the preseason opener Friday, Aug. 8 against the New England Patriots, and he added a 14-yard reception on his only target.
Link to storyJeremy McNichols player page
Washington Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed seven times for just 24 yards in the preseason opener Friday, Aug. 8 against the New England Patriots, and he also had an 8-yard reception on his lone target.
Link to storyWashington Commanders QB Sam Hartman completed just 9-of-19 passes for 64 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in the preseason game Friday, Aug. 8 against the New England Patriots. He is battling QB Josh Johnson for the No. 3 job behind starter QB Jayden Daniels and veteran backup QB Marcus Mariota.
Link to storyWashington Commanders QB Josh Johnson completed 15-of-22 passes for 173 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the preseason opener against the New England Patriots Friday, Aug. 8. He is battling QB Sam Hartman for the No. 3 job behind starting QB Jayden Daniels and veteran backup QB Marcus Mariota.
Link to storyJosh Johnson player page
Washington Commanders QBs Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson, vying for the No. 3 QB job, are likely to split snaps in the preseason opener Friday, Aug. 8 against the New England Patriots with QB Jayden Daniels held out and veteran backup QB Marcus Mariota (leg) nursing an injury.
Link to storyJosh Johnson player page
Updating a previous report, Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (leg) is nursing a strained lower leg, and head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday, Aug. 6 that his level of concern is 'low'. Still, it's unlikely Mariota will play in the preseason opener Friday, Aug. 8 against the New England Patriots.
Link to storyMarcus Mariota player page
Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Aug. 6, because the team is taking things slow with him after he suffered a knee injury during offseason workouts, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Link to storyNoah Brown player page
Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (leg) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Aug. 6, because of a lower leg injury.
Link to storyMarcus Mariota player page
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will not play in the preseason game Friday, Aug, 8, but is scheduled to receive a lot of work during the joint practices with the New England Patriots Wednesday, Aug. 6, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Footballguys view: The joint practices will tell us a lot more than any preseason game. Daniels is set to continue his ascent to superstar status in the NFL. The Commanders could help that out by getting his favorite wide receiver (Terry McLaurin) paid. |