Trey Amos sat out Washington’s Monday night clash with Cincinnati due to hamstring tightness after Saturday’s practice. Washington treated it as a precaution, running Amos through on-field tests but ultimately keeping him out to avoid any setback ahead of Week 1. The short week and a looming preseason finale against Baltimore helped frame the decision. Amos’ absence came as the Commanders continue to evaluate their rookie cornerback in a field where every rep matters.

Amos has impressed this summer and appears to be in the mix for the third starting cornerback job, potentially lining up alongside Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil as early as Week 1. For fantasy purposes, the absence isn’t a direct boost or downgrade, but it underscored the defensive depth Washington is building. If Amos is healthy and ready for Week 1 at the Giants, the Commanders’ secondary depth could be a sneaky contributor as the regular season arrives.

Washington faces a pivotal 2025, with a best-case path to 12-5 and a floor at 7-10. The biggest hinge is the defense: the unit must tighten in the fourth quarter and handle more score-heavy looks from opponents. Ten-plus games against top-13 scoring defenses last season pressure the offense to maximize Terry McLaurin when healthy, while a bolstered secondary and a deeper defensive line—paired with Von Miller’s addition—aim to turn more late-game stops into wins. The preseason showcased some warts, notably on a few high-variance drives, but improved play in frictions and depth could flip multiple close games. Offensively, sustained success hinges on support from a healthier McLaurin and sharper execution from the supporting cast. Even with a strong defense, avoiding a drop in scoring efficiency will be critical to surpass last year’s marks.

In fantasy terms, the defense’s ability to close quarters will drive multiple weekly outcomes, while McLaurin’s health and usage will define WR1 upside. The Commanders’ path to a ceiling season leans on a top-tier defensive finish in late games and a robust pass rush to pressure rookie or debuting linemen on opposing O-lines. If the secondary gel and the line anchors the rush, Washington can seize control in several tight contests and push toward double-digit wins, despite potential offensive bumps from McLaurin’s workload and the evolving supporting cast. The Bengals and Patriots frame the preseason narrative as tests for this squad’s resilience, and how they respond to such tests could foreshadow regular-season form.

Washington opened its preseason with a 48-18 loss, resting most starters but getting a bright spot in Trey Amos, the rookie second-round corner who allowed zero catches on one target and chipped in a couple of tackles.

Offense struggled behind the backups, with Hartman and Johnson each throwing an interception and the QB room unsettled after Jayden Daniels’ absence in practice. Special teams were a mess, including a 100-yard kickoff return to start the game and a missed field goal. Jer'Zhan Newton and Jacory Croskey-Merritt flashed on defense, hinting at developmental fantasy upside for savvy managers.

Week 2 versus Cincinnati looms, but it’s unclear how much Washington will push its starters. For fantasy players, Amos’ emergence is the clearest takeaway—a potential Week 1 starter whose role could move the needle in one of Washington’s fantasy-friendly defensive back spots. Monitor Newton’s interior disruption and Croskey-Merritt’s workload as preseason reps expand.

Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders turned Sunday’s practice into a corrective session after Friday’s 48-18 preseason loss to New England, with 28 days to the regular season opener against the Giants. The workout, in front of 4,000 military families, reinforced a process-first mindset via after-action style reviews to flush errors and tighten gaps across units. Quinn emphasized turning game-day findings into immediate weekly work plans, aiming to limit emotion and improve the end-to-end process.

Injuries sidelined 30 players, but a few rookies stood out. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the seventh-round pick, logged 24 yards on seven carries and showed he belongs in a backfield crowded with capable options. Cornerback Trey Amos drew rave reviews, flashing in practice and delivering three end-zone deflections in a red-zone drill, signaling a potential early role. Washington also navigates receiver depth with McLaurin’s hold-in ongoing, and Niang’s ACL injury opened a late roster spot as the club readies for a Saturday exhibition against Cincinnati.

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.