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.