The Washington Commanders' biggest weakness loomed even larger in the preseason loss against the Detroit Lions
Last week's preseason opener at Northwest Stadium marked a welcomed day as the Washington Commanders were able to take the field for the first time since the five win 2025 season, giving head coach Dan Quinn and his team a chance to officially turn the page ahead of a make-or-break season. Yet that came with the bulk of the impact pieces sidelined after the team announced over two dozen inactives ahead of kickoff, making the week two preseason game the more intriguing one to potentially see more starters. Though it ended with the first loss after the Detroit Lions pulled out a 17-13 finish, the biggest concern materialized in the trenches.
Aspirations turned to reality as quarterback Jayden Daniels took the field alongside several other expected starters, whether it be with a familiar name like Terry McLaurin or new ones like Stefon Diggs and Chig Okonkwo. Unfortunately, it marked a brief appearance for all of them after the offense amassed zero yards of offense and suffered a sack before head coach Dan Quinn turned to the rest of the roster.
The pass protection failed on consecutive plays to allow pressure in what marked a concerning start for the offense. Though tight end John Bates was the source of weakness on the second down sack, Julian Good-Jones struggled in his reps at center with the former practice squad player a big part of the expected depth at the position, highlighting the concern at center. Expected starter Nick Allegretti was sidelined for the second consecutive week as he continues to battle through a calf injury suffered on the opening day of training camp.
It isn't all bad, though. Quinn previously pointed to rookie Matt Gulbin as one who can draw reps at guard to gauge his versatility, though he stepped into his expected position at center with Kaliakmanis under center. Quinn also noted starting right guard Sam Cosmi as "maybe playing the best" he has played in years while pointing to the communication from starting right tackle Josh Conerly, who was not considered to flip sides of the line to replace Laremy Tunsil.
The problem is the concern that sits at the anchor of the offensive line with uncertainty about Allegretti's durability over a 17 game season, along with questions about the quality of depth behind him.
"We've got work to do to figure out where we want to get to [at] center," Quinn said postgame after noting Saturday was a day about opportunities for the roster with players mixing and matching along the line.
The question -- again -- becomes who the Commanders can turn to in a limited pool of available players with either limited experience or health concerns. Will the trade market become a possibility for Washington? Washington could have available experienced options to turn to over the next two weeks through roster cuts, but it's become less of a question whether a move needs to be a made, now rather now about sorting through options.
The Commanders are set to travel to Owings Mills for a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday before closing out preseason with the third and final game set for Friday, Aug. 28.
