The Washington Commanders' bye week is finally here, and it couldn't have possibly come at a better time.
After a six-game skid, Washington will be looking to regroup and re-evaluate expectations for the rest of the 2025 season. Playoffs, barring some unforeseen miracle, are out the window. But progress can still be made, especially if star quarterback Jayden Daniels returns to the lineup sooner rather than later.
The objective for the remainder of 2025 will be to provide a proper assessment of the Commanders' first- and second-year players (and one third-year player). Specifically, those who have struggled to make an impact thus far in their NFL careers will need to step up.
Post-bye week production of Commanders' young stars could define their future
For players such as tight end Ben Sinnott, defensive tackle Johnny Newton, and safety Quan Martin, the final six games of 2025 may be the most crucial test they'll ever face. It's a matter of whether they're still entering next year as part of the Commanders' long-term plans, or if Adam Peters decides to wave the white flag on waiting for them to develop.
There's not quite as much urgency for the rookies to put up or shut up, and first-round offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. is already coming along nicely. Still, it would be a promising development to see players like wide receiver Jaylin Lane and linebacker Kain Medrano get more involved.
For those such as linebacker Jordan Magee and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt who have already carved out bigger roles than their draft position would expect, it's a chance to establish themselves as core building blocks further. Cornerback Mike Sainristil can also use this prime opportunity to get right after being moved back to the perimeter.
At some point after the bye, attention will need to shift from the present to the future. If it doesn't, the Commanders have their priorities all wrong.
That may mean limiting players such as tight end Zach Ertz and linebacker Bobby Wagner, who are at the end of their careers, so that the younger pieces can get more run. There is zero benefit to having them on the field, especially when it comes at the direct expense of those who are in greater need of a proper evaluation.
The Commanders are in a tricky situation with the oldest roster in the league, and standout youngsters are few and far between. If they're going to enter the 2026 season with hopes of a bounce-back campaign, setting the stage for that starts now.