Seven Washington Commanders With Questions to Answer In Preseason

With the Washington Commanders set to kick off training camp next week as players begin to report to Ashburn on Friday, we dive into seven Commanders who have a chance to cement roles and quiet any lingering questions.

C Nick Allegretti

Who steps up at left guard between Brandon Coleman and Chris Paul is as big a storyline, but that falls under camp battle as we dive into the matchup later today. The lone question in the trenches -- how does Allegretti fare as a full-time starter? Rookie Matt Gulbin will look to push him to round out the two-deep, but this is the chance for the longtime NFL lineman to instill confidence as the anchor of the unit.

CB Trey Amos

With a chance to be the crown of the cornerback room, Amos falls on this list for a different reason. The offseason has offered glimpses of encouragement from the Ole Miss product after being transparent about his recovery on social media, while he's been seen working out. Yet that has yet to materialize in a Commanders uniform. What his official recovery timeline looks like and rehab progress remain unclear ahead of camp with a chance to gauge just how soon he'll be available.

WR Treylon Burks

Sticking with the wide receivers, is there one that has drawn more debate all offseason than Burks? After flashing in limited opportunities in 2025, now marks the time when the former first round pick can capitalize on a bigger role. Dyami Brown returns for a second stint to elevate the rotation while rookie Antonio Williams looks to live up to instant impact status, but Burks could be one who elevates the success and efficiency from the unit.

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

After the seventh-round pick carved out a clear role in Washington's 2025 rotation after leading the team in rushing, how Croskey-Merritt develops will dictate just how expanded his role is in year two. After position coach Anthony Lynn noted Croskey-Merritt had the traits to impact the passing game, now is the time to show it. After drawing feedback from head coach Dan Quinn and Lynn for the need to improve pass blocking, Croskey-Merritt will need to showcase that. He's also proven himself as a speed back with a gear that the other backs on the roster may lack, but training camp marks the start of Croskey-Merrit to showcase his growth as an all-around back.

DL Javon Kinlaw

Daron Payne enters camp with the most pressure not just in the unit, but across the roster. Johnny Newton looks to become a consistent piece in year three. Tim Settle returns to upgrade the run support. Yet ahead of year two of his three year deal worth $45 million, Kinlaw will also face his own pressure to prove the value of his deal after finishing 2025 without a sack. How effective can Kinlaw be on day one?

CB Mike Sainristil

The addition of Rasul Douglas alleviates some strain on the top of the cornerback room, but it also adds a question as to where Sainristil fits. It's important to note defensive coordinator Daronte Jones previously stressed the need for players to learn more than just their position, which would apply to Sainristil. With the profile to play the slot and experience outside, where does he best fit? And if it's inside, does he get the nod over Amik Robertson?

TE Ben Sinnott

If there's a position to be cautiously optimistic about, it might be the tight end room. While Chig Okonkwo adds breakout potential to the offense, Sinnott might be the one to move the needle for how successful the unit can be. New offensive coordinator David Blough is expected to feature ample two tight end sets, giving Sinnott a chance to serve as the secondary passing target in the room. Yet after two seasons of inconsistent production, the former second round pick needs to prove it in an offense he feels better fits him.

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