Key Commanders players will miss first preseason game against the Patriots, but it's not a big deal right now according to Dan Quinn

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Josh Taylor | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 2:28 PM ET

The Washington Commanders hit the road for the first joint practice and preseason game against the New England Patriots, but a couple of notable names were left back in Ashburn, Virginia, and won't be participating.

The team has been rather healthy this offseason so far, but a couple of names have popped up with minor injuries that head coach Dan Quinn says are minor and not too concerning right now.

This is still unfortunate, especially for some of the younger players who could use the preseason in-game reps.

Brandon Coleman is still out of practice

Brandon Coleman left practice on Saturday after tweaking his leg and never returned to the field. He also missed the last practice on Monday, and we didn't know if he would travel with the team or not. Coleman is still out, and there's no real timetable for a return, but hopefully it's sooner rather than later with him moving inside to guard.

One of the biggest factors for an offensive line is trust and continuity, and they can't build that until all five linemen up front get game reps together. Luckily, starters are only projected to get joint practice reps and not many, if any, in the preseason game. Quinn said that all of the injuries weren't serious, so there's optimism on a return next week for Coleman.

LIVE: HC Dan Quinn speaks to the media before joint practice in New England https://t.co/nn1oFaaIdV
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 6, 2025

Other second-year breakout players missing time

Quinn has said many times that the second year is the biggest year for a player's development, and he's mentioned two players that have impressed him in training camp, and both are out for the week. Both Jordan Magee and Javontae Jean-Baptiste had the opportunity to show their growth at the joint practice and preseason game against the Patriots, but it'll have to wait.

These were two players I had circled this week, and I hate seeing them miss valuable time as depth pieces who need to step up this season. Magee battled injuries last year, so this does worry me some even though Quinn said it's just minor short-term injuries for the two. He didn't clarify what the injuries were, but he will update us more next week.

Jordan Magee at Washington Commanders training camp practice. Credit: Abdullah KontaAbdullah Konta @Dullah_Vision: Washington Informer

Veterans are sitting out as a precautionary measure

Marcus Mariota and Noah Brown didn't travel as well as the team is just being careful with the reps and rest for both players, who had minor injuries. I don't mind this approach as both players have shown that they can produce and know the offense. This gives guys like Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman the chance to battle at QB, while depth WRs like Chris Moore, K.J. Osborn, and Ja'Corey Brooks can fight for a final spot.

The biggest question fans will ask is if Terry McLaurin traveled with the team, and the answer is no, simply because players on the PUP list don't travel. Sam Cosmi, who is also on the PUP list, stayed back as well.

We will get an injury update next week on everyone, but it sounds like some could return next week while others sit out another week.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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