Business is picking up for the Washington Commanders. We're in the third week of training camp. Joint practice with the New England Patriots is in the rearview mirror. And now, players will get the chance to boost their stocks in the first preseason game.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Washington's starting core won't feature versus the Patriots. They got some good work in earlier in the week, and the Commanders are proceeding with caution to avoid unnecessary complications. This represents an outstanding platform for those on the fringes to get noticed.
Considering how quarterback Jayden Daniels and other stars could play on Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals next week, this only raises the stakes. Some might not get a better opportunity to force their way into the team's plans. It's a high-pressure situation that will see some thrive while others fall by the wayside.
Quinn, his accomplished staff, and general manager Adam Peters will be watching developments closely. Every move will be analyzed. Every mistake will be scrutinized. And the margins for error are razor-thin.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players on the hot seat entering their preseason opener at Gillette Stadium.
Commanders players on the hot seat entering preseason opener at the Patriots
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders are dealing with some issues on the interior of the offensive line. Not exactly unusual, but it's something to monitor nonetheless.
Sam Cosmi is working his way back from a torn ACL. Brandon Coleman also didn't make the trip to New England after limping off earlier in the week at training camp. Nate Herbig opted to retire, which has the scope to expose the team's glaring lack of legitimate depth.
Adam Peters seems content with what he has right now. However, it's a fluid situation that will be dependent on performance levels over the preseason.
Just when all hope seemed lost, an opportunity awaits Chris Paul. The former seventh-round selection made the team last season but was a healthy scratch more often than not. He looked firmly on the fringes after the team's offseason investments, but that might not be the case anymore.
Paul could force his way into a key depth role if he shines during Washington's warmup slate. The urgency of his job being on the line, coupled with this being the Tulsa product's last year of his rookie deal, should ensure he'll be giving it absolutely everything to get a reprieve.
He can't do anything more than that. But it is the minimum requirement.