4 winners (and 3 losers) from Week 2 of Commanders 2025 training camp

Business is quickly ramping up for the Washington Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn and his squad are now two weeks into training camp, and some subtle clues are starting to emerge regarding roster plans and just what to expect from this team in 2025.

It's officially game week, too. This raises the stakes considerably for those looking to stake a claim. The Commanders will be watching developments unfold closely, looking for any slight shifts that could make a substantial difference.

Joint practice with the New England Patriots, followed by a preseason game at Gillette Stadium, will be the sternest measuring stick yet. This is a taste of legitimate competition against non-teammates. No half measures will be given, especially given the old-school values of Quinn and Mike Vrabel.

Some have already left a positive impression. Others have either dealt with some bad luck or have not met the required standards as yet. There is still time to alter perceptions, but it's quickly running out.

A fascinating few days await. Until then, here are four winners and three losers from the second week of Washington's training camp.

Winners and losers from Week 2 of Commanders 2025 training camp

Winner No. 1

Zach Ertz - Commanders TE

Most of the attention goes to young players, whether they are breakout candidates or rookies looking to make their way, at training camp. Everyone is aware of what established players can do, so there isn't much concern about their camp performance.

Fans and coaches know what they bring to a game-day setting. However, that doesn't mean veteran performers don't want to leave their mark.

That proved to be the case with tight end Zach Ertz over the second week of camp. His ability to create separation effectively and a growing chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to amaze. This was especially evident during red-zone drills, according to those in attendance.

The former second-round pick out of Stanford galvanized his career last season when all hope seemed lost. Ertz got a new one-year deal this offseason, and he's looking to be a major factor in whatever success comes Washington's way once again. That much is becoming abundantly clear at training camp.

While the Commanders would like to get Ben Sinnott more involved in Year 2 of his professional career, Ertz will lead the charge. He's the alpha on and off the field until further notice, so fans are expecting another Pro Bowl-caliber campaign from the veteran in 2025.

Loser No. 1

Tyree Jackson - Commanders TE

The margins are razor-thin for anybody on the fringes. Even the slightest setback can be enough to turn the tide. That proved the case for one roser hopeful who'd made a decent impression over the early stages of training camp.

After Tyree Jackson caught the eye with some impressive catches in Week 1, his positivity came screeching to an abrupt halt. The Washington Commanders placed the tight end on injured reserve, all but ending his slim hopes of making the squad.

Jackson was always facing an uphill battle. The Commanders have Zach Ertz, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott as roster locks. Colson Yankoff should make it, too, which means everyone else would be out of luck. However, there was a growing belief that the former Buffalo college standout was doing enough to potentially sneak onto the practice squad.

Now, that's increasingly uncertain. The Commanders didn't disclose the injury or its severity, but it's a massive blow nonetheless.

Winner No. 2

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

There are several candidates in contention for training camp MVP right now. Mike Sainristil is right at the forefront of any discussions.

The second-year cornerback enjoyed a standout campaign in 2024 that went completely under the radar thanks to Jayden Daniels. Sainristil is building on his positive momentum this offseason. He's also thriving in his preferred position after the Commanders moved him back into the nickel.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is utilizing Marshon Lattimore and second-round pick Trey Amos as his starting tandem on the boundary. Sainristil is working from the slot, which is where his anticipation and athleticism are best suited. It's had the desired effect throughout training camp.

One cannot be anything other than impressed by the way he's applied himself so far. Sainristil looks like a future franchise cornerstone. If the same trend continues when competitive action commences, he'll be a household name in no time.

Loser No. 2

Brandon Coleman - Commanders OL

The Commanders are counting heavily on their offensive line this season. Adam Peters invested heavily in the protection, trading for Laremy Tunsil and taking Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. But there are growing concerns about whether this squad has enough depth on the interior.

Sam Cosmi is still working his way back from a torn ACL. Dan Quinn hasn't completely ruled him out of featuring in Week 1, but it would be a shock of epic proportions. And now, there could be more to worry about after Brandon Coleman limped off the field during Sunday's practice.

Coleman is switching to the left guard spot this season, and everything was progressing well until this unfortunate development. Quinn stated that the former third-round pick out of TCU would not practice on Monday. This leaves his status for joint practice and a preseason game versus the New England Patriots unclear.

More details will be revealed in the coming days, but Coleman cannot afford any major setbacks.

Winner No. 3

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

Jayden Daniels is a phenomenon. Everyone knows it, and the Washington Commanders made a seismic shift for the better when they chose him at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Daniels isn't settling. He's not reveling in the newfound superstardom that came with a rookie campaign for the ages. The dynamic signal-caller is always looking to the next challenge and nothing more, displaying the composure and work ethic that sets the strongest example for his teammates to follow.

The former LSU standout is starting to turn the screw at training camp. Daniels came alive when the pads went on, showcasing his exceptional pocket presence and accuracy with a higher tempo. Terry McLaurin isn't around right now, but the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is developing chemistry with his other pass-catchers, including a flourishing early relationship with Deebo Samuel Sr.

Daniels is ready to put any fears regarding a sophomore slump to rest. And the impression he's leaving at camp is only raising expectations.

Loser No. 3

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

It was another week where Terry McLaurin didn't see the practice field. Reports suggest that no real progress is being made regarding a new deal. Both sides are dug in, which brought further drastic action from the wide receiver and his representative.

McLaurin raised the stakes by handing in a trade request. The Commanders have no interest in removing the second-team All-Pro from the equation. At the same time, they are also reluctant to pay him north of $30 million per season on a deal that won't begin until he's 31 years old.

Adam Peters is running the Commanders with professionalism. The general manager is always looking at the bigger picture, and he always puts the team's best interests at the forefront. McLaurin wants to be paid, but some significant compromises must be reached before an agreement is reached.

And make no mistake, McLaurin is not going to get involved without his money.

Winner No. 4

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

The fact that Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been featured so heavily in the media since training camp is a testament to his exceptional start. He's hit the ground running (pun intended) with an outstanding showcase of athleticism, aggression, and purpose to force his way into the team's plans immediately.

Croskey-Merritt is seizing every moment. The No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft came into the Commanders with a big chip on his shoulder, and he's putting it to good use. He comes up with splash plays at almost every practice. Even when the pads went on, the backfield force didn't look out of place whatsoever.

The Commanders listed Croskey-Merritt as No. 3 on their running back depth chart alongside Jeremy McNichols. Kliff Kingsbury is getting him involved in the first-string offense, putting his dynamism to good use in no-huddle situations. This is something fans should monitor when the preseason arrives.

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