Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have some pivotal decisions upcoming. The Washington Commanders are gearing up for the worst part of the NFL calendar by far, which is the dreaded cut-down day where hopes and dreams fall by the wayside annually.
For some, this will be the end of their respective journeys in Washington. There's even a chance this is the end of pursuing or prolonging careers in the league. It's an uncertain time for those on the fringes, but Peters won't attach any emotion in his quest to mold a squad capable of going deep into the playoffs once again.
Some choices will be tougher than others. The Commanders will remove good players from the equation. There are only so many spots to go around, although some will get the chance to come back onto the practice squad if they don't get scooped up by another organization.
It's a tricky situation that Peters must handle with extreme care. On this topic, here are five talented players that the Commanders cannot risk sneaking onto their practice squad during final cuts.
Players that the Commanders can't risk sneaking onto the practice squad in 2025
Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders' wide receiver room has been the subject of intense debate in recent weeks. Much of the column inches across the media were dedicated to Terry McLaurin's ongoing contract standoff with the franchise. But there is a growing sense that the team's depth could be exposed without the second-team All-Pro taking up attention on the boundary.
There is also the small matter of just who is going to make the team. One could make a case for five spots being locked up right now. That leaves one or two positions for the rest, which places Ja'Corey Brooks' fortunes firmly under the microscope.
Brooks was a high-priority target for the Commanders in undrafted free agency. They gave him a lofty guarantee on his rookie deal to tip the scales, and the flashes this summer suggest he could offer something if given the chance.
That would mean upsetting some veteran players also vying for roles, but nothing is given under this regime. Everything must be earned, so Brooks should fancy his chances of sticking around based on his performance levels compared to others.
If the Commanders decide to waive Brooks to bring him back onto the practice squad, that's going to catch the eye of one or two teams around the league. Whether it's something they can avoid is another matter.