Training camp has given the Washington Commanders a few clear emerging stories, and Joshua Josephs is pushing his way into that conversation fast.
The rookie edge rusher out of Tennessee was back at it during Washington’s joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, where he reportedly kept flashing the same disruptive traits he’s shown all summer. The session was another sign that Josephs is not just hanging around - he’s making a real push to carve out a role.
That matters for a Commanders team that will already have to open the season without left tackle Laremy Tunsil. It also matters because much of the attention on Washington’s rookie class has centered on No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles, the player viewed as the biggest defensive difference-maker. Styles is expected to change things for everyone around him, but Josephs is showing he can be part of that wave too.
Josephs, a fifth-round pick, has spent the summer flying under the radar. That’s partly because Washington added Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson on the edge in free agency, which made it easy to assume there wouldn’t be much room for him. Instead, he’s spent camp making the case that the door is still open.
His joint practice work against Miami added to that argument. According to reports, Josephs was a problem throughout the day as Washington controlled the action, even if some of his best moments came against second-string offensive linemen. Still, the production keeps stacking up, and it’s becoming harder to ignore.
“Joshua Josephs is having a FIELD DAY!
Multiple sacks and pressures ‼️
- On The Fence Podcast (@theotfpodcast) August 12, 2026”
That wasn’t the only note of praise he drew from the practice field.
“Man Joshua Josephs is a terror. He sniffed out a play-action pass and was right in Ewers’ face when he turned around for the rollout
- Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 12, 2026”
For Washington, the bigger-picture roster math is starting to come into focus as well. Josephs is almost certainly locked into the team’s roster, which will likely carry four or five outside linebackers. Deatrich Wise Jr. is still on the physically unable to perform list, and he could wind up as a backup 3-4 end with Charles Omenihu.
That leaves Oweh, Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Josephs, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and Drake Jackson in the mix for the remaining spots. If someone gets squeezed out, Jackson looks like the most likely candidate.
So the question is no longer whether Josephs has a chance. It’s how much he can actually play once the games start.
The Commanders would prefer not to need him in a bigger role because of injuries, but they should still expect to find ways to get him on the field. He’s a long, athletic pass rusher with high energy, even if his game still has some rough edges against the run. His size and speed limitations contributed to his draft slide, but his motor is exactly the kind of trait new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will want to use.
There’s also a little extra value in the fact that Josephs can hold his own when dropping into coverage.
He hasn’t gotten the same buzz as Styles or some of Washington’s other rookies, but his summer says plenty. Josephs is making it clear he belongs.
In Other News...
Commanders Have 5 Players Under Pressure In Dolphins Practice
Wednesdays joint practice with the Dolphins offers the Commanders a useful mid-August measuring stick, and for a handful of players it is a chance to make the next few days matter. Ahead of Fridays preseason game, Antonio Williams, Julian Good-Jones, Brandon Coleman, Sonny Styles and Mike Sainristil are all set to be watched closely as Washington sorts through roles, reps and roster value.
For players trying to carve out a place on the team, this is the kind of setting that can move the needle. The pace is sharper than a normal camp session and the evaluation is more direct, which is why this workout could be especially important for those five as they try to turn a practice opportunity into real playing time. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Left Joint Practice With One Early Problem They Cant Ignore
The Commanders got an early look at where they still need work in their joint practice with the Dolphins, and special teams stood out quickly as a problem area. Miami found room on kick returns, exposing Washingtons coverage unit and reminding everyone that the third phase of the game can swing momentum long before the offense or defense settle in.
Special teams coordinator Larry Izzo and the staff have time to clean it up, and they will need to, because the Commanders have several young, athletic players who could help stabilize that unit if they take to the job. Joint practices are built to surface issues like this before the games matter, and Washington came away with one of the less flattering reminders a coach can get. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Suddenly Have A New Edge Rusher Worth Watching Closely
The Commanders defense turned in a strong showing during its joint practice against the Dolphins, and one of the more intriguing developments came from a player still trying to establish himself in the rotation. Javontae Jean-Baptiste, a 2024 seventh-round pick, flashed the kind of pass-rushing ability that can quickly get a coachs attention, especially for a young edge defender trying to carve out a role on a crowded roster.
Jean-Baptistes path has already included a long recovery from a season-ending injury, which makes any encouraging practice rep feel a little more meaningful for Washington. With competition at edge rusher still very much alive, his performance against Miami gave him a chance to separate himself, and it added another name to watch as the Commanders continue sorting out the back end of the roster. [Read more 🡒]