5 players Commanders can't risk sneaking onto the practice squad in 2025

Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have some pivotal decisions upcoming. The Washington Commanders are gearing up for the worst part of the NFL calendar by far, which is the dreaded cut-down day where hopes and dreams fall by the wayside annually.

For some, this will be the end of their respective journeys in Washington. There's even a chance this is the end of pursuing or prolonging careers in the league. It's an uncertain time for those on the fringes, but Peters won't attach any emotion in his quest to mold a squad capable of going deep into the playoffs once again.

Some choices will be tougher than others. The Commanders will remove good players from the equation. There are only so many spots to go around, although some will get the chance to come back onto the practice squad if they don't get scooped up by another organization.

It's a tricky situation that Peters must handle with extreme care. On this topic, here are five talented players that the Commanders cannot risk sneaking onto their practice squad during final cuts.

Players that the Commanders can't risk sneaking onto the practice squad in 2025

Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR

The Washington Commanders' wide receiver room has been the subject of intense debate in recent weeks. Much of the column inches across the media were dedicated to Terry McLaurin's ongoing contract standoff with the franchise. But there is a growing sense that the team's depth could be exposed without the second-team All-Pro taking up attention on the boundary.

There is also the small matter of just who is going to make the team. One could make a case for five spots being locked up right now. That leaves one or two positions for the rest, which places Ja'Corey Brooks' fortunes firmly under the microscope.

Brooks was a high-priority target for the Commanders in undrafted free agency. They gave him a lofty guarantee on his rookie deal to tip the scales, and the flashes this summer suggest he could offer something if given the chance.

That would mean upsetting some veteran players also vying for roles, but nothing is given under this regime. Everything must be earned, so Brooks should fancy his chances of sticking around based on his performance levels compared to others.

If the Commanders decide to waive Brooks to bring him back onto the practice squad, that's going to catch the eye of one or two teams around the league. Whether it's something they can avoid is another matter.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

Adam Peters does what he believes is right for the Washington Commanders at all times. The general manager also takes sentiment out of the equation, which was further evidenced by the situation involving running back Brian Robinson Jr.

The former third-round pick out of Alabama was rumored to be on the trade block heading into Washington's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. When Robinson and the club mutually agreed that he shouldn't play, that told fans all they needed to know.

This is a sad end to Robinson's time in Washington. But it's provided an opportunity for others to stake a legitimate claim.

Much of the hype has centered on seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and rightfully so. However, ignoring the potential influence of Chris Rodriguez Jr. would be a big mistake at this juncture.

Rodriguez is a purposeful, physical runner. Unlike Robinson, he's got the speed to break off big plays, which is the explosive element Kliff Kingsbury is seeking. One look at his performance versus the Bengals was enough to see what he could potentially bring in an expanded role.

This won't go unnoticed by others around the NFL. That's why attempting to stash Rodriguez on the practice squad this time is simply not an option.

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

Tyler Owens is a physical, athletic safety who fits the mold of what the Commanders look for in their defensive backs. The undrafted free agent was one of the summer's most heart-warming stories last year to make the 53-man roster. Unfortunately, the former Texas Tech standout suffered an injury soon after that, which significantly derailed his progress.

Owens did make it back midway through the season. He was used as a special-teams presence rather than throwing him into the defensive rotation. The flashes of explosiveness and aggression were noteworthy — something that brought hope that more could be on the way during his second year in Washington.

The Commanders have tried to put more on Owens' plate to see how he fares this summer. Joe Whitt Jr. has used him with the first-string defense — both as a safety and a nickel cornerback. He's done relatively well, but other safeties are also thriving.

That makes Owens' status among the fascinating dynamics to watch in the coming days. It would be a bombshell if he didn't make it, but the Commanders would have no chance of bringing him back if they ended up putting him on waivers.

Simply put, this is a mistake they'd be wise to avoid.

Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE

Colson Yankoff looked almost certain to make the Washington Commanders roster entering the offseason. That might still be the case, but much will depend on how many tight ends Adam Peters ends up taking through to Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Yankoff displayed all the right characteristics last year to make the 53-man roster. Nobody gave the undrafted free agent a shot, but he rose from the proverbial ashes to cement his status on the squad.

This didn't come with any involvement in the offensive rotation, but being around the setup made him a better player. Even so, it was a case of trying to prove himself all over again this time around.

There have been some encouraging flashes from Yankoff. He's improving as a blocker and looks more comfortable as a route runner. His emerging presence on special teams is another strong part of his game that gets overlooked, but it shouldn't.

These are positive steps in the right direction. Still, Yankoff might fall victim to the numbers game if the Commanders allocate three spots to the tight end position.

Those would go to Zach Ertz, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott. If the Commanders exposed Yankoff to waivers, someone else would almost certainly put in a claim.

Michael Gallup - Commanders WR

The Commanders are giving Michael Gallup an avenue back into the league this summer. A year out of the game in retirement was all the wide receiver needed to find his love for football again, and he felt that linking up with head coach Dan Quinn was the best possible environment to hit the ground running.

Gallup's had some nice moments this offseason. He was a standout early in workouts, but a hamstring strain dented his progress at mandatory minicamp.

Although Gallup has drawn praise from Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury throughout training camp, this hasn't translated to a preseason environment. The pass-catcher brought in just two receptions from seven targets for 27 receiving yards over the first two warmup games, which doesn't exactly scream consistency.

This puts the Commanders in a predicament. Gallup has previous production working in his favor, but it's been a long time since his 1,000-yard receiving campaign. And with competition for places fierce in the wideout room, a situation could emerge where the former Colorado State standout doesn't make the roster initially.

If the Commanders go down this route but plan to bring back Gallup on the practice squad to refine his skills further, they might be out of luck. Teams know what he can bring to the table, so getting a shot somewhere else is a legitimate possibility.

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