{
  "id": 4144852,
  "title": "Commanders' final 53-man roster projection: Who's in, out after the preseason?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/commanders-final-53-man-roster-projection-whos-in-out-after-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T08:12:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/commanders-final-53-man-roster-081219004.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Washington Commanders have finalized their 53-man roster following the conclusion of the NFL preseason. The team now turns its focus to the regular season, which kicks off with a Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders entered the season with a disappointing 41-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason finale.\n\nQuarterback position is settled with three starting spots: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Athan Kaliakmanis. Kaliakmanis emerged as the clear standout of the preseason, while Mariota's health concerns and Daniels' limited playing time led Washington to retain all three. Running back options include Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, and Robert Henry Jr. Despite some struggles this preseason, the Commanders opted to keep a diverse backfield featuring two rookies and a second-year player. Wide receiver roster features seven players, with Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and Antonio Williams all securing spots. The tight end position is locked in with four players: Chig Okonkwo, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, and Colson Yankoff. The offensive line will consist of eight initially, but the team may extend to nine players. The defensive line features four rookies and one veteran, with Daron Payne, Tim Settle, Javon Kinlaw, Shy Tuttle, Johnny Newton (injured), and Charles Omenihu as key players. Edge position includes five players: Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong, Charles Omenihu, and Joshua Josephs. Armstong is sidelined until Week 2 due to suspension. Linebackers will have five starters, with Kain Medrano preferred over Ale Kaho. Cornerback roster remains intact with five players, including Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, Amik Robertson, Rasul Douglas, and Fabian Moreau. Special teams consist of three players, with no changes from preseason. K Drew Stevens and P Tress Way have secured their positions, while Tyler Ott and Tyler Owens continue to contribute on special teams.",
  "summary": "Here's our final 53-man roster projection ahead of Sunday's cutdown day.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Athan Kaliakmanis start at quarterback",
    "Backfield includes Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, and Robert Henry Jr.",
    "Wide receiver roster features seven players, including Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}