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

It's been another frantic few days for the Washington Commanders as preparations for the 2025 campaign ramped up considerably. Training camp sessions were still in full swing, but this week's schedule also featured a joint practice and preseason game against the New England Patriots for good measure.

Everyone was eagerly anticipating real NFL competition after weeks of competing against teammates. The action was physical and boiled over on a couple of occasions. But head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have a better perception of where the squad is and what more might be needed to enhance their playoff chances.

That was the most important objective. The pressure increased considerably. Some players thrived under the extra spotlight. Others wilted in a more intense environment, which didn't look favorably on their hopes for rotational involvement of roster places with final cuts on the not-too-distant horizon.

It's a sink-or-swim situation, and time is firmly of the essence. Quinn and his staff will be watching closely, and Peters won't hesitate to bring more changes if needed.

That's for the future. For now, here are four winners and three losers from the third week of Washington's training camp.

Winners and losers from Week 3 of Commanders 2025 training camp

Winner No. 1

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

No rookie is impressing more than cornerback Trey Amos. The Washington Commanders thought they had a steal on their hands when the former Ole Miss standout somehow slipped to No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He's only enhanced these claims this summer.

Amos wasted no time in establishing himself as the starting boundary cornerback opposite Marshon Lattimore. He's growing in stature quickly, proving he belongs and holding his own against almost anybody. That was further evidenced by his coverage capabilities in the face of All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs during joint practice with the Patriots.

The rookie got his first taste of a typical game-day environment against the Patriots. Amos stood up to the challenge well, but the fact that he was used so sparingly is more proof that the Commanders have big plans for the defensive back in 2025.

If that wasn't enough, Amos rounded off another accomplished week with a highlight reel pass defense in the end zone during Sunday's practice. Jayden Daniels was looking for Luke McCaffrey in the back corner, but the second-rounder shut down the touchdown attempt with ruthless efficiency.

It remains early days, but Amos is surpassing every expectation so far. Long may it continue.

Loser No. 1

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

Another week of no practice for Terry McLaurin as the wide receiver's contract standoff with the Washington Commanders continues. That's three weeks of not being on the field with his teammates, and reports suggest the relationship between the player and franchise is more fractured than initially feared.

Both sides are dug into their respective positions. McLaurin reportedly wants north of $30 million per season on his third NFL contract. Adam Peters is reluctant to meet this asking price, given that the former third-round pick out of Ohio State will be 31 years old when the deal kicks in.

This is a dark cloud hanging over the organization. McLaurin doesn't have any more cards to play unless he gives up game checks. There might be a little more leverage after some frailties from Washington's depth wideouts, but Peters still has all the cards.

Fans are still hoping for a successful resolution. McLaurin's trade request didn't raise any urgency whatsoever. But if we're still talking about no contract by this time next week, that's a big problem.

Winner No. 2

Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT

Josh Conerly Jr. no doubt heard the unfair criticism coming his way throughout the media. The offensive tackle took some time to adjust to the right tackle position, which was expected. However, the fact that he was a first-round pick brought more scrutiny than needed.

Nobody was panicking within the building. This was all part of the learning curve for Conerly. He's got to earn his spot just like everyone else, but there were signs over recent days that suggest the former Oregon standout is starting to put everything together.

Joint practice against the Patriots was Conerly's best by a considerable margin. The edge protector followed this up with a strong showing in the preseason game at Gillette Stadium. It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a huge step in the right direction nonetheless.

If the same trend continues in the next two weeks, Conerly could be the starting right tackle in Week 1 against a fierce New York Giants pass rush.

Loser No. 2

Tyre Phillips - Commanders OT

The Commanders have some questions to answer regarding their wide receiver depth. These were further magnified over recent days, and it must provoke general manager Adam Peters into action regarding potential reinforcements.

Lucas Niang's time with the Commanders was dealt a cruel blow just days after his arrival. Dan Quinn revealed that the lineman tore his ACL versus the Patriots, which ended any slim hope he had of making the squad after Nate Herbig's retirement.

But it was the performance of Tyre Phillips this week that was arguably a lot more concerning. The offensive tackle was brought in to fight for a backup role this offseason. He's got a previous connection to line coach Bobby Johnson from their time together on the New York Giants, so hopes were high that this could result in a seamless transition to a different environment.

His performance in joint practice was concerning. Phillips' production in the preseason game was even worse. And things are not looking good.

Winner No. 3

Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB

Brian Robinson Jr. didn't participate in the Washington Commanders' preseason game versus the New England Patriots. Still, one couldn't have been anything other than impressed by the way he applied himself throughout the week in practice.

Robinson is going to lead the running back charge once again. This is a contract year for the Alabama product, and it's bringing more leadership and urgency. He's setting the correct standards and meeting all his targets, which has brought praise from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and others over the summer.

It's difficult to truly assess running backs at this stage. Even so, Robinson's aggression and explosiveness stood out during joint practice with the Patriots — a sign that the former third-round pick is ready to hit the ground running.

Austin Ekeler still has a role to play, and the emergence of seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt continues to bring intrigue. But the ground game will go as far as Robinson takes it in 2025.

Loser No. 3

Dominique Hampton - Commanders LB

Dominique Hampton got a pass for his slow transition last season. The Commanders were converting the college safety to the linebacker spot, which was always going to come with some growing pains. Even so, it's not been the best week for a player who could now find his roster spot in jeopardy.

The 2024 fifth-rounder is physically gifted. That's enough to impress in college, but more is needed in the pros. The former Washington Huskies standout is finding that out the hard way this summer.

With Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and Jordan Magee all missing the Commanders' preseason opener versus the Patriots, the coaching staff gave Hampton a chance to shine at the defensive second level. He didn't take advantage, turning in a poor display that centered on anticipation and positioning deficiencies.

This won't go unnoticed by head coach Dan Quinn and his staff during their comprehensive analysis of the contest. This week is huge for Hampton in the pursuit of turning the tide.

Winner No. 4

Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR

Terry McLaurin's absence is becoming a frustrating part of Washington's plans for the upcoming campaign. We've already discussed the implications that could arise if this drags out any longer, especially considering the team's wide receiver depth was exposed in recent days.

There isn't enough without McLaurin. The sooner he gets back into the fold, the better Washington's chances will be. Until then, the coaching staff will expect more from those who are being given opportunities.

That's why it's been a profitable week for Ja'Corey Brooks. The undrafted free agent started training camp exceptionally well before fading somewhat. However, the rookie showed what he was capable of against NFL opposition during joint practice and a preseason game against the Patriots.

After catching the eye at practice, Brooks took this through into a more competitive setting with five receptions from as many targets for 59 receiving yards. If the same trend continues over the next fortnight, he might find his way onto the 53-man roster.

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