Full Breakdown
Washington Commanders Near Final 53-Man Roster After 41-3 Preseason Defeat
8/30/2026, 2:09:13 AM
Final Cut Deadline Looms
The NFL requires the Commanders to trim their 91-player offseason roster to 53 by the Sunday 6:00 p.m. ET deadline. The decision follows a preseason finale in which Washington was routed 41-3 by the Baltimore Ravens, exposing offensive-line penalties and a stagnant running game.
Recent Preseason Performance
In the final exhibition, the Commanders managed one first down before halftime and averaged 1.5 yards per carry. False-start penalties plagued the line, and quarterback Jayden Daniels worked around protection issues. The defense also struggled, with defensive backs allowing big plays.
Projected Receiver Group
Analysts expect Washington to keep seven wide receivers: Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Antonio Williams and Dyami Brown. McCaffrey earned the spot over Van Jefferson after playing in the final game.
Offensive Line Depth
The projection calls for nine offensive linemen: Sam Cosmi, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Matt Gulbin, Brandon Coleman, Josh Conerly Jr., Andrew Wylie, D.J. Humphries and Max Scharping. Julian Good-Jones and Trent Scott are unlikely to make the cut, and the team may seek a veteran center via waivers.
Defensive Backfield and Special Teams
Safety Tyler Owens is projected to make the roster, along with cornerback Fabian Moreau, Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson and Rasul Douglas. Kicker Drew Stevens is expected to win the job after outperforming Jake Moody; punter Tress Way and long-snapper Tyler Ott remain as specialists.
Potential Waiver-Wire Additions
The front office sees the initial 53-man roster as a starting point and plans to claim veterans after the deadline, with interior linemen a priority.
Timeline of Key Events
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the team will retain six or seven receivers, and on the status of veteran interior linemen after cuts.
What’s Next
After the roster is submitted, the Commanders will monitor the waiver wire for veteran linemen and finalize special-teams assignments. They will also continue to evaluate the health of players such as running back Robert Henry Jr., who missed the final preseason game due to a fumble.
