Commanders Face Uncertainty in Depth Chart Ahead of Preseason Finale

ASHBURN, Va., August 22, 2025 - The Washington Commanders are about to end training camp. They will face the Baltimore Ravens in their final preseason game. Still, questions remain about the depth chart, mainly at wide receiver and running back.

Terry McLaurin, the team’s star pass catcher, came off the Physically Unable to Perform list on Friday. Still, he hasn’t taken part in full-team drills yet. McLaurin is not practicing due to a contract dispute. He is also focused on a recovery plan for strength and conditioning, as stated by head coach Dan Quinn.

Wideout Noah Brown missed most of practice this week due to a knee injury from minicamp. This has raised new worries about the reliability of the receiving corps. With McLaurin and Brown out, rookie Jaylin Lane has stood out in warmups. He looks set to grab a roster spot as a depth player and return specialist. The Commanders still need a reliable third receiver to back up their top two. This could lead to offensive problems if more injuries occur.

““It’s hard to tell what we have until everyone is working as one,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. ““We need more clarity on who’s ready to step in and deliver on game day.”

In the backfield, the depth chart remains crowded but unsteady. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler lead the running back group. However, neither has secured a clear backup spot. This is especially true with the offensive line undergoing many changes during camp. Special teams roles have mixed up the running back order. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Demetric Felton are getting snaps in kick and punt return drills.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said competition is tough in every position group. He noted that the depth chart will likely change after Saturday’s preseason finale and the Tuesday deadline to trim the roster to 53 players.

““We’ve got to see who’s resilient in game conditions,” Whitt Jr. noted. ““That’ll inform our final depth chart heading into the regular season.”

With roster cuts coming up, the Commanders need to fix their depth issues. This way, they can start Week 1 with a strong and ready lineup. If key backup roles aren’t solidified, especially at receiver and running back, the offense could be at risk. This is vital as Jayden Daniels steps into his second season as the starting quarterback.