5 Commanders in danger of losing it all as roster cuts near

.The Washington Commanders are through two of their three preseason games following a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals . Now, they'll round off their warmup engagements against the Baltimore Ravens.

Given the lack of rest, one can probably expect most of the Commanders' starters and key reserves to get the day off. It should be a similar dynamic to Washington's opener versus the New England Patriots, where most of the run will go to those just trying to make the roster.

With that in mind, here are five players who'll need to make the absolute most of their opportunities. Because right now, it's anyone's guess whether they'll end up on the right side of the final cuts.

Commanders players who need a big preseason showing to seal their roster spots

Jeremy McNichols — RB

Everything changed for the Commanders' running back room when Brian Robinson Jr. became available for trade . Seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt has become an immediate fan-favorite and should be the lead back sooner rather than later . Austin Ekeler will resume his pass-catching role out of the backfield, but he could log starting reps over the first few weeks.

The battle is behind them, between Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols. The former had an impressive showing against Cincinnati, and this might be enough to solidify the spot. Washington could elect to keep both, but the Boise State product is firmly on the bubble.

Ja'Corey Brooks — WR

Croskey-Merritt isn't the only unfancied rookie who has taken over the offseason for the Commanders. Ja'Corey Brooks was strong in training camp and has backed it up thus far in the preseason. Washington's t op five receivers are likely set with Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey. Still, there should be room for one or two more.

Will Brooks be one of them? Washington brought in or retained several veteran pass-catchers this offseason, including Michael Gallup, K.J. Osborn, and Chris Moore. None of them has stood out. That will help the rookie's case, but it's still no sure thing that the team values him over the experience others provide.

Car'lin Vigers — CB

Car'lin Vigers is another undrafted free agent looking to make Washington's 53-man roster. He had a strong offseason to put himself in position to be the team's sixth cornerback behind Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene.

However, his preseason has been rough, which has likely undone a lot of that progress. The saving grace for Vigers is that nobody else has emerged from Washington's cornerback depth, and the team will probably keep six corners. An impressive showing versus Baltimore would do wonders for the Louisiana-Monroe product.

Chris Paul — OL

The Commanders have been thin at guard due to injuries to Sam Cosmi and Brandon Coleman, as well as the sudden retirement of Nate Herbig late in the offseason. This opened the door for some depth pieces who were likely on their way out a few months ago.

Chris Paul is among them. Washington's backup offensive linemen were a disaster against Cincinnati, but the former seventh-round pick didn't stand out for the wrong reasons, which might be all he needs. Even so, it's no sure thing what the Commanders will do here.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste — DE

The Commanders spent big on their defensive line this offseason, bringing in veterans in Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise Jr., Eddie Goldman, and Jacob Martin, as well as hybrid linebacker Von Miller. As a result, many holdovers are left clinging to their roster spots.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste had his moments as a rookie, but he has also struggled to stay on the field due to injuries. He hasn't played during the preseason, and that's not a good sign for his hopes of making the team.

The talent is there, so Washington might not want to give up just yet. We'll have to wait and see.

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