Washington’s Week 2 preseason date with Cincinnati doubles as a final dress rehearsal for six players fighting for a 53-man spot. Sam Hartman needs a clean, impactful showing to boost his case for a No. 3 QB role and potentially snag a practice-squad path in 2025, while Chris Paul continues to cement himself as a lock to stick, pending a couple of snaps that test his space-moving ability in Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme. Chris Rodriguez Jr. headlines the running backs, needing to outpace a crowded room and prove he can handle more than special-teams duty as Washington trims its backfield.

On the receiving side, Ja'Corey Brooks has emerged as a sleeper with a chance to crack the final roster if he shows he can contribute on special teams and deliver after the catch. Jalyn Holmes is a veteran edge presence whose versatility could earn him a rotation spot, and Kain Medrano’s aggressive, hybrid-safety role keeps him squarely in the competition. The game also serves as a final evaluator for the Commanders’ depth along the lines and at linebacker, with the staff watching how these six key players respond to adversity and pressure in prime-time action.

Fantasy takeaway: Hartman is a long-shot but worth monitoring for a late-upside move or practice-squad waitlist, while Paul’s steadiness could push him into a regular-season role if he continues to show mobility and pass protection. Rodriguez Jr. is the truest in-season wild card among the group—watch snaps, blocking, and usage to gauge his add/stash value. Brooks, Holmes, and Medrano each offer late-round intrigue for dynasty or keeper formats if they rise in the final two preseason games.

The Washington Commanders kicked off their 2025 training camp with a palpable buzz surrounding the team, fresh off a 12-win season and aspirations for a Super Bowl run. The excitement was particularly centered around quarterback Jayden Daniels and new additions this offseason. Day 1 showcased some thrilling one-on-one matchups, especially with receivers going against the secondary, despite the absence of pads limiting some positional evaluations.

Deebo Samuel emerged as a standout, dismissing recent criticisms of his conditioning by opening the practice with a touchdown. His ability to perform efficiently at around 220 pounds shows his readiness and determination to silence doubters. Meanwhile, undrafted free agent Ja'Corey Brooks from Louisville stole the spotlight with multiple impressive plays, showcasing his potential to become a key contributor this season.

Washington Commanders have made headlines with their signing of Ja'Corey Brooks, a former wide receiver from Alabama and Louisville, as an undrafted free agent. His collegiate career boasts impressive stats: 57 catches for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns at Alabama, followed by 61 receptions for 1,013 yards and 9 touchdowns at Louisville. Known for his contested catch ability, Brooks maintained a 69.6% rate in such scenarios, making him a potential key player behind established stars like Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.

Despite a modest 40-yard dash time of 4.65 seconds, Brooks possesses the skills to excel as a deep threat. His ability to navigate press coverage and create separation in routes positions him as a strong candidate for one of the remaining receiver spots on the roster. With the possibility of being a key contributor on special teams as well, Brooks is well-positioned to make an impact this coming season.