The Washington Commanders are trying to turn the page after a brutal five-win season in 2025, but the early signs around camp are already flashing red. If this team is going to get back on track, staying healthy has to be part of the formula - and right now, that part looks shaky.
Last season told the story plainly. Jayden Daniels appeared in only seven games, Terry McLaurin played in 10, and just three of those came with both on the field together. That lack of availability from the team’s two most important players was the biggest reason things went sideways in Washington.
The injury problems didn’t stop there. Dorance Armstrong Jr. was playing at a Pro Bowl level before tearing his ACL in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, his former team. Then rookie cornerback Trey Amos fractured his fibula in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions.
Now training camp is about to begin, and neither player is ready to return.
Both Amos and Armstrong, along with defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., were placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to open Commanders training camp. Amos’ situation stands out the most, especially with expectations building for a Year 2 jump. Instead of building momentum, he’ll have to make up ground once he’s cleared to practice.
Armstrong’s path is a little different. He was already expected to have a smaller role in Daronte Jones’ defense, especially after the Commanders added Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson as edge rushers who will work as outside linebackers in the new 3-4 scheme. That pushes the former Kansas Jayhawk further down the depth chart, though Washington still wants him to be a meaningful contributor.
The bigger concern is what all of this means for a roster that can’t afford another season of bad luck on the injury front. Amos and Armstrong could still be ready for Week 1, or even by the time preseason starts, but both will need time to get back into football shape after missing valuable reps.
For Dan Quinn and his staff, the hope is simple: these are just precautionary setbacks. Because if Washington is going to avoid another season like 2025, it needs its key pieces on the field when September arrives.
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For Washington, the intrigue is not just about scheme changes but about who can seize a role quickly enough to matter. The staff will be watching rookies closely, along with any potential additions that could alter the depth chart, and there is still a sense that one more move could change the tone of camp before the roster picture starts to settle. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Face An Uncomfortable WR2 Question Around A Big Name
The Commanders are still sorting out what the passing game looks like behind Terry McLaurin, and the search for a reliable No. 2 has naturally pulled a big name into the conversation. Stefon Diggs is available, he has ties to the Washington area, and the idea of pairing him with Jayden Daniels is the kind of move that would at least make the front office think hard about how much proven receiver help it wants to add.
Diggs, though, would not be stepping into a tidy setup where the job is clearly defined for him. Washington already has several pass-catchers competing for touches and roles, which makes the fit more complicated than a simple name-value upgrade. For the Commanders, the question is not just whether Diggs is interested, but whether he would arrive as the answer to their WR2 issue or simply add another layer to it. [Read more 🡒]