The Washington Commanders made a massive mistake that could've fixed a position, and they saw it backfire on Monday night

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Josh Taylor | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 7:36 AM ET

Adam Peters has done a great job revamping the Washington Commanders' roster and building around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, but there are still a couple of positions that need to be improved.

One of the positions most talked about this offseason has been the depth in the wide receiver room with the absence of Terry McLaurin, and Noah Brown is dealing with an injury.

There were additions made to the position the last two offseasons, but the answer could've already been on the team, and we saw that Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals when WR Mitch Tinsley treated the secondary like a Pop Warner football team.

Tinsley put on a SHOW

If he's going to make the Bengals roster like he's expected to, according to reports, there's absolutely no way he wouldn't be on the Commanders roster over guys like Michael Gallup, Chris Moore, and K.J. Osborn, who have done nothing this preseason.

The part that stings was that Tinsley already made the previous Commanders roster in 2023 as an undrafted rookie, and spent 2024 on the practice squad before being released. He's been the buzz of training camp for the Bengals, and the whole team, including star QB Joe Burrow, is pushing for him to make the team.

Mitchell Tinsley: Baller pic.twitter.com/92br5txmKb
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 19, 2025

He should have no problem making the roster after being named a captain for the preseason game in his return to Washington, and then putting on a show in primetime. Tinsley had some of the most impressive catches I've seen that showed his athleticism and body control. One touchdown flashed his ability to adjust his body in the air as he plucked the pass out of the air after turning his body mid jump.

Then he would deflect a pass towards himself just to catch it as he's falling down, and Mossed a Commanders safety in the endzone with a full extension catch while getting both feet in. Tinsley finished the game with five catches for 73 yards, two touchdowns, and an insane highlight reel.

MITCHELL TINSLEY IS PUTTING ON A SHOW

TD grabs on back-to-back drives for the @Bengals❗️ pic.twitter.com/GV3BsnHXYZ
— ESPN (@espn) August 19, 2025

Tinsley could've been the answer in the WR room

The Commanders have been waiting around for someone in the wide receiver room to solidify the last roster spot or two, but nobody has done it yet, with only one preseason game left. McLaurin, Samuel, Brown, Lane, and McCaffrey are locks, but that's only five receivers, and they could keep seven to be safe.

Lane looks like he can produce in his rookie season, but there are still question marks on who else can step up apart from McLaurin and Deebo. Tinsley was around the team and learning the offense for two years.

This could have been a breakout season for him on the Commanders, but now it looks like he will have his best season yet as a Bengal. Hopefully, someone else produces this season so the Commanders don't regret this decision even more.

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

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