Commanders fan favorite now battling for roster spot in do-or-die preseason test

The Washington Commanders will have a good indication of what their 53-man roster could look like in 2025. Plans will change based on performance and whether any decent options become available on the waiver wire, but there is still time for those already around to alter their status.

And one fan favorite battling for a roster spot is embarking on a do-or-die moment in Washington's preseason curtain raiser against the New England Patriots.

Kazmeir Allen's been something of a cult figure since joining the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The versatile offensive weapon made a significant impression in his first summer with the franchise, but it wasn't enough to make the squad.

Kazmeir Allen is popular among the fans, but that won't be enough to make Commanders roster

He got the chance to stick around on the practice squad, which was encouraging. However, the introduction of Washington's exciting new regime left his career aspirations firmly in the balance.

Allen's second offseason with the team went the same as his first. There were flashes of exceptional promise as a running back, pass-catching asset out of the backfield, and also in the return game. But yet again, the former UCLA standout narrowly missed the cut.

But again, Allen did enough to stay on the practice squad. He's hoping it'll be third time lucky this year, but the size of the task awaiting him during the Commanders' preseason engagements cannot be overstated.

Competition for places is fierce, and places are at a premium. Allen made an impact when called upon at training camp, displaying his elusiveness and improved awareness to full effect. Unfortunately for the third-year pro, others are more than capable of doing the same.

Allen won't be giving up without a fight. He's had to overcome adversity and roll with the punches almost from the moment he entered the league. It's what endeared him to Washington's loyal fan base, and it's also why he shouldn't be counted out.

A few splash plays when touches in any capacity come his way are essential. Allen has to get something going. He must display the urgency and purpose that'll get him noticed. Even that might not be enough, but it'll leave him with no regrets.

And who knows, perhaps this will be enough to stick around on the practice squad again or possibly even get scooped off the waiver wire by another franchise looking for more dynamism.

Time will tell on that one. But Allen won't be found wanting for effort, whether it turns out well or not.

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