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.

Duke Riley joins Washington as an eight-year veteran linebacker, adding immediate depth behind Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. Riley, 31, was a 2017 third-round pick by Atlanta and has since lined up for the Falcons, Eagles, and Dolphins, compiling 283 tackles in 124 games. His arrival comes after a preseason loss to New England and a workout that earned him a deal with the Commanders. Washington’s linebacker room now blends veteran savvy with the development of Magee and Medrano, giving the staff more options in sub-packages and on special teams.

The move signals a veteran infusion rather than a teardown, with Riley likely to handle situational roles and contribute on special teams while Magee heals and Medrano grows into a regular role. Washington will lean on Riley for depth and leadership as they assess the young duo and preserve the health of Wagner and Luvu. Fantasy/IDP angles hinge on his snap count and special-teams impact early, but the experience he brings could stabilize the unit during a pivotal stretch of training camp and the early season.

The Commanders’ preseason opener vs. New England ended in a 48-18 loss, but the spotlight was on five 2025 rookies whose first NFL touches offered clear signals for fantasy and dynasty value. Josh Conerly Jr. looked the part on 21 snaps at right tackle, moving smoothly and showing space-blocking potential, though his strength will need time to catch up as his frame fills out. Trey Amos delivered an almost flawless first impression, sticking to routes and making a goal-line stop that illustrated the coaching staff’s trust. Jaylin Lane’s debut was hard to read due to limited involvement, while Kain Medrano impressed with high snap counts and aggressive play, hinting at a development path on Washington’s second level. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed Bill, flashed violent cuts and took seven carries for 24 yards with a reception, leaving fans hopeful about his ceiling in a crowded backfield. The night’s penalties (13 for 98 yards) underscored the discipline edge Washington must sharpen, even as the rookies supply a blueprint for future depth and potential breakout bubbles once the regular season arrives.

Washington will rely on these early evaluations to shape its approach as the preseason continues. Conerly’s transition to right tackle and Amos’s sticky coverage are especially encouraging for a line and secondary tasked with faster adaptation. Medrano’s aggressive instincts and Croskey-Merritt’s versatile backfield appeal offer excitement for deeper leagues and dynasty formats, where upside often trumps immediate production. This game wasn’t about final rosters but about revealing a few players who could become meaningful contributors as the Commanders chart their young core for 2025 and beyond.

The Washington Commanders have made a calculated addition to their linebacker corps with the selection of Kain Medrano, a sixth-round pick from UCLA. Though he joins a group led by All-Pro Bobby Wagner and standout Frankie Luvu, the Commanders are looking beyond the immediate season. Wagner, at 34, is nearing the end of his career, prompting the need for depth and future talent in the linebacker position. Coach Joe Whitt Jr. sees Medrano's unique background as a former receiver as a potential asset, suggesting he brings a different skill set to the defensive unit.

While expectations are modest for Medrano's rookie year, as sixth-round picks rarely become starters, the team retains hope that he can develop into a key player. The Commanders are aware of the importance of preparing for Wagner's eventual retirement.

Bobby Wagner, the 34-year-old linebacker for the Washington Commanders, remains a pivotal figure on and off the field despite battling injuries last season. As a defensive captain, his leadership extends beyond his performance metrics, providing invaluable mentorship for younger players on the roster. With Wagner aging, the Commanders are wisely focused on the future of their linebacker corps. In the latest NFL Draft, they selected Kain Medrano on Day 3, a prospect expected to learn alongside Wagner and eventually take the reins.

Medrano's unique physique resembles that of a strong safety more than a traditional linebacker, yet he impressed scouts with his athletic profile and is viewed as a player with potential to grow into a key contributor for the Commanders' defense. This investment in youth suggests the Commanders are not only looking to bolster their current roster but also planning for long-term success.