5 Commanders plummeting down the depth chart as final cuts loom large

Adam Peters and Dan Quinn will have a good indication of where the Washington Commanders' roster stands right now. And with final cuts on the not-too-distant horizon, time is running out for anyone aiming to contribute in 2025.

There are new standards in Washington under the current regime. These were not met during their preseason capitulation against the New England Patriots, but it's worth remembering that 30 players didn't suit up for the clash.

That's more than half the roster that will likely go through to Week 1. Quinn made his feelings known to the players, and the fact that Peters made eight transactions in the defeat's immediate aftermath laid down the gauntlet in no uncertain terms.

Washington's decision-makers will be watching events unfold closely over the next fortnight before the dreaded cut-down day arrives. And even those who make the initial 53-man squad might not be safe if Peters sees some waiver wire pickups who could be of use.

It's a fascinating time for fans, and an extremely uncertain one for players aiming to stick around. With this in mind, here are five Commanders roster hopefuls plummeting down the depth chart as final cuts loom large.

Commanders plummeting down the depth chart as final cuts loom large

K.J. Osborn - Commanders WR

There was some intrigue when the Washington Commanders scooped K.J. Osborn off the waiver wire late last season after Noah Brown was placed on season-ending injured reserve. The veteran wide receiver's big move to the New England Patriots didn't go according to plan, but his previous production on the Minnesota Vikings left reasons for encouragement.

Osborn was used sparingly, brought in as an emergency option and nothing more. The Commanders kept him around this offseason, but that didn't come with any guarantees regarding his roster status.

There were concerns raised about the standard of receivers lower down the depth chart. The dynamic completely changes without Terry McLaurin, so the last week should serve as a wake-up call to Osborn and others.

The former fifth-round pick out of Miami brought in two receptions from five targets for 14 receiving yards against the Patriots. Osborn dropped a couple of makeable balls, which was disappointing. And with very few spots available, things like this are going to make a big difference.

All hope is not lost with Osborn. He'll probably get some extended involvement on Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals, but if he's still gaining prominent reps in Washington's warmup finale versus the Baltimore Ravens, that'll tell fans all they need to know about his outlook.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

Things are becoming clearer in the Washington Commanders' running back room. Although there is still time to turn things around for some, it seems like Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt will lead the charge in 2025.

That might be all the Commanders need. But if they decide to bring through four onto the 53-man roster, that opens the door slightly for players falling rapidly out of favor.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. is among them. The former sixth-round selection displayed flashes of promise when carries came his way last season. While there wasn't much trust in the player once the business end of the campaign arrived, Adam Peters thought he was worthy of another one-year deal to see if some untapped potential remained.

Rodriguez has been solid if not spectacular this summer. The Kentucky product gained 22 rushing yards from six carries against the New England Patriots. Not exactly terrible, but the likes of veteran Jeremy McNichols and Demetric Felton arguably showed a lot more when called upon.

That's concerning for Rodriguez as he looks to overcome adversity once again. But even if he doesn't quite make it, the Commanders could easily stash him on the practice squad to continue his development.

Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE

It was no surprise to see Colson Yankoff buried down the unofficial depth chart. The Commanders listed him as the fourth tight end behind Pro Bowl renaissance man Zach Ertz, blocking specialist John Bates, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott. That raises the stakes considerably in pursuit of booking his place on the team once again.

That might be something or nothing. However, it was a subtle sign that Yankoff's roster spot might not be as clear-cut as some thought heading into preparations for the new campaign.

Yankoff emerged from nowhere last summer to fight his way onto the 53-man squad. The UCLA product was used sparingly on game days, but being around the locker room during such a memorable campaign was no doubt a phenomenal experience. Still, the need to kick on to cement his status quickly became his primary goal this offseason.

There have been some decent flashes from Yankoff over practices. He brought in one reception from two targets for nine receiving yards versus the Patriots, but there's no doubt that the second-year pro was outshone by Lawrence Cager.

Cager is a physically dominant figure who is seizing every opportunity. Yankoff must match fire with fire in the coming weeks to bolster his chances.

Chris Moore - Commanders WR

Competition for places in the Washington Commanders' wide receiver room remains fierce. Terry McLaurin's ongoing contract standoff is a distraction the team could do without, but others are getting the chance to impress as the second-team All-Pro digs in.

The early signs were encouraging this summer. However, joint practice and a preseason game against the New England Patriots exposed some potential flaws further down the depth chart that raised urgency to get something worked out with McLaurin.

Adam Peters opted not to bring in another receiver this week. That's a vote of confidence in those currently around, but the general manager will be watching their progress closer than ever. And one could argue that nobody lost more ground over the last few days than Chris Moore.

The veteran emerged as a standout to start the summer, forcing his way into the team's plans. Moore was tipped by some to be a lively candidate to make the squad, but dropping two passes versus the Patriots brought his momentum screeching to an abrupt halt.

Moore making the squad was always a long shot. A massive effort is needed to bounce back after this setback, but any additional failings over the next fortnight are not going to look favorably on the player.

Tyre Phillips - Commanders OT

The Commanders are dealing with some issues on their offensive line right now. Nobody is pressing the panic button just yet, but it's something fans will be monitoring closely before attention turns to Week 1 against the New York Giants next month.

Stud right guard Sam Cosmi is working his way back from a torn ACL. Dan Quinn didn't completely rule him out from immediate inclusion, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the former second-round pick start on the physically unable to perform list.

Brandon Coleman, who's transitioning to the left guard spot this season, has been missing over the last week after leaving practice. The Commanders are erring on the side of caution, but it's important he gets back quickly.

There aren't any problems on the edge. Laremy Tunsil is as advertised, and Josh Conerly Jr. has come on significantly in recent days. That's not the case with Tyre Phillips, the free-agent signing who was looking to carve out a backup role for himself in 2025.

Phillips underperformed in Washington's preseason opener against the Patriots. The Commanders have already shown a willingness to remove those who aren't part of the team's plans, so the experienced veteran is already fighting a losing battle in his quest to make the team.

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