After eight straight losses, the Washington Commanders finally got a much-needed breath of fresh air in Week 15, snapping their skid with a win over the New York Giants. It won’t change the playoff picture - that ship has sailed - but for a team in transition, finishing strong still matters.
Momentum may not carry over from one season to the next in a measurable way, but culture does. And right now, the Commanders are trying to build something worth carrying into 2026.
They’ll have to do it without Jayden Daniels the rest of the way. The rookie quarterback, who had been one of the few bright spots in a tough season, is sidelined.
That leaves veteran Marcus Mariota to steer the ship. He’s not going to light up the stat sheet, but he’s been steady - and right now, steady is enough for a team trying to evaluate who’s ready to fight for a roster spot next year.
On Tuesday, Washington made a handful of roster moves that reflect both the current injury situation and the team’s eye on development:
- WR Noah Brown was placed on the Reserve/Injured List
- CB Darius Rush was designated as practice squad injured
- WR Chris Moore was signed from the practice squad to the active roster
- WR River Cracraft and TE Gee Scott Jr. were added to the practice squad
Let’s start with the loss of Noah Brown. It’s a tough break for a receiver who just couldn’t catch a rhythm this season.
He’ll finish the year having played in just four games, a frustrating outcome for both player and team. Brown had the potential to be a reliable depth piece in the receiving corps, but injuries never gave him a real shot to get going.
Replacing him is a familiar face - Chris Moore, who’s been bouncing between the active roster and the practice squad all year. Moore was originally released to make room for Brown, but now he’s back in the fold. He knows the system, he’s got experience, and he’s the kind of plug-and-play veteran who can help stabilize a young offense down the stretch.
To fill Moore’s old spot on the practice squad, the Commanders brought back River Cracraft, who’s on his second stint with the team this season. Cracraft’s a savvy route-runner with special teams value - the kind of guy you want around when depth starts to thin out late in the year. And joining him is tight end Gee Scott Jr., a developmental piece who’ll get a shot to show what he can do in the practice environment.
With just three games left - two against the Eagles, one against the Cowboys - Washington’s not just playing out the string. These final weeks are a live audition for everyone not named “franchise cornerstone.” Whether it’s a young player trying to make his mark or a veteran aiming to prove he still belongs, these reps matter.
The Commanders may not be heading to the postseason, but they’ve got something to play for: identity, evaluation, and a little bit of pride. And after the way this season has gone, that’s not nothing.