4 winners (and 1 loser) from Week 1 of Commanders 2025 training camp

It was a fascinating first week of training camp for the Washington Commanders. And aside from one major distraction, everything went according to plan.

This is the bedding-in period for players and coaches alike. The tempo gradually ramps up, leading into padded practices. These are always the best measuring sticks to see what the Commanders have and what more might be needed to mount another deep playoff run in 2025.

Dan Quinn and his exceptional coaching staff must be thrilled with the way things are going so far. Players are coming to the fore. Injuries have been avoided. Others are cementing their respective statuses, as a select few are already fighting losing battles. The table has been set for when physicality rises, and those struggling right now face a race against time to turn the tide.

Big things are expected of the Commanders this season. They are aiming to prove their phenomenal early success under Quinn can be sustained. And make no mistake, there is no room for passengers going through the motions at camp.

With this in mind, here are four winners and one loser from Washington's first week of training camp.

Winners and losers from Week 1 of Commanders 2025 training camp

Winner No. 1

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders' defensive backs wasted no time in stamping their authority on training camp. And unsurprisingly, there is one player arguably shining above all else.

Mike Sainristil enjoyed a phenomenal rookie campaign. It went overlooked compared to quarterback Jayden Daniels' heroics, but it was extremely impressive when one considers the pre-draft concerns about his size and the fact that he had to switch from his preferred spot in the nickel to the boundary.

With some impressive offseason additions all hitting the ground running, it has allowed Sainristil to switch back to the slot. This is the position where he starred for the Michigan Wolverines en route to a college football national championship. It's also where he flashed significant promise as a rookie before Joe Whitt Jr. had to pivot.

Sainristil has been nothing short of outstanding at training camp so far. The defensive back looks assured in coverage, anticipating things well and converting opportunities into turnovers. There's a swagger to his approach that's hard not to love, and his friendly battle with Daniels is helping both reach new heights.

The second-year pro showcased his dependability on countless occasions last season. Sainristil is a stud in every sense of the term. If the same trend continues into the regular season, he'll cement his status as a franchise cornerstone.

Winner No. 2

Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR

The criticism leveled at Deebo Samuel Sr. since his offseason trade to the Washington Commanders has lit a fire under the veteran wide receiver. And if he carries this extra motivation into the regular season, the franchise is going to reap the rewards.

Adam Peters knows Samuel well. There is a trust attached, and the general manager believes there is still some good football left. Considering it only cost the Commanders a fifth-round pick to find out for sure, it was a risk well worth taking.

Samuel has been getting heat from all angles. Most of this centered on his attitude, conditioning, and work ethic. It's early days, but the former second-round pick out of South Carolina is on course to emphatically silence his doubters.

The versatile weapon showed up at camp in tremendous shape. Samuel's hard work away from the team has paid off handsomely. He's sharp, explosive, and developing a strong rapport with quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels. The trajectory is firmly pointing up.

Everyone knows what Samuel brings to the table when he's motivated. The fire still burns within the player, and the Commanders are going to give him a platform that allows him to excel within Kliff Kingsbury's creative schematic concepts.

Based on his early camp contribution, Samuel is eager to make the most of it.

Winner No. 3

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

The Commanders ended Trey Amos' concerning slide at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters wasn't too bothered about the cornerback's back issue that came up during medical assessments. And the rookie is keen to repay the faith shown in his abilities by Washington's power brokers.

Amos hit the ground running over Washington's offseason program. There were no health issues, and the defensive back picked things up quickly. The Commanders are making him earn everything, but there's a growing belief he'll be starting on the boundary opposite four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Despite splitting reps with two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones, there's no doubt that Amos is seizing the initiative. His physicality, ability in coverage, and his willingness to take on any challenge, no matter how steep, have gone down a storm so far. His transition has been seamless, and it looks like the Commanders have a genuine steal on their hands.

What comes next for Amos is more important. Joint practices will be a solid measuring stick for the player. The coaching staff will be watching his preseason progress closely before fully determining his role. But things couldn't be going much better right now.

Loser No. 1

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

Terry McLaurin still doesn't have his new contract from the Washington Commanders. The wide receiver felt holding out of training camp was the best way to pile on the pressure, but it hasn't had the desired effect as yet.

Both sides remain committed to finding some middle ground. This has gone on longer than originally anticipated as general manager Adam Peters looks for a deal that benefits the Commanders as well as the player. McLaurin's frustrations are obvious, but his presence at the facility on Back Together Sunday brought fresh hope that an agreement was imminent.

McLaurin is on the physically unable to perform list with a reported ankle issue. He's missed a full week of practice, which is far from ideal. But if the lucrative contract extension arrives and the injury recovers fully, the former third-round selection out of Ohio State should be ready to make an immediate impact in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Players are rallying around McLaurin. He got a hero's reception from fans upon his triumphant return to Ashburn. The wideout's back for them, but he's unlikely to take the practice field until he signs on the dotted line.

The sooner that happens, the better.

Winner No. 4

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

Jacory Croskey-Merritt emerged as an offseason standout almost from the moment he got into the building. Although this was positive, some fans wondered if the running back could keep this up when training camp rolled around.

It's been so far, so good on that front. While it's difficult to evaluate running backs before the pads go on, the praise Croskey-Merritt is receiving from coaches and the flashes he's displaying at practice represent another positive step in the right direction.

The Commanders saw something in Croskey-Merritt that others didn't. His draft stock took a major hit after the NCAA revoked his eligibility one game into his transfer to Arizona. After waiting until the No. 245 overall selection to hear his name called, the chip on his shoulder cannot be more obvious.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are the starting tandem, which is likely to remain the case heading into the season. But the decisiveness of Croskey-Merritt's cuts and his explosiveness to exploit gaps indicate a key rotational role is well within reach if everything checks out in the preseason.

Bigger tests are coming for Croskey-Merritt. Even so, the backfield threat is off to a sensational start in pursuit of playing time.

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