Training camps have kicked off around the NFL, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Washington Commanders' camp is taking place in Ashburn, Virginia and Commanders reporter John Keim has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and of course the quarterback room.
What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Commanders camp. We will update this file often. What can Von Miller bring? What's happening with receiver Terry McLaurin and quarterback Jayden Daniels. Who are the breakouts to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Let's get into it all, and be sure to keep checking back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins Thursday.
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Monday, Aug. 4
Rookie cornerback Trey Amos, a second-round pick, continues to look sharp. He stood out again in practice with an interception and a pass defensed. Amos has mostly worked with the first group, though he'll take some snaps with the second unit.
He picked off a ball that receiver Chris Moore had hit off his hands -- Amos was right with him over the middle. Later, Amos smothered receiver Luke McCaffrey on a fade down the right side; McCaffrey had no shot at the ball. Amos' ability to play press man coverage is a big help; he has good length and is patient. He did allow one catch over the middle to Deebo Samuel, but as defensive coordinator Joe Whitt said, "Trey has had a good day every day."
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It's been a struggle for Washington's receivers in camp minus Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, who has been in and out as he recovers from a spring knee injury. But Samuel has made some plays, and did so again Monday -- catching a deep fade against corner Jonathan Jones on a perfect ball from Jayden Daniels.
Defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton flashed a few times. On one play he showed his quickness by beating left guard Chris Paul to the inside for instant pressure. The Commanders are counting on the second-year Newton to take a big step.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Washington tight end Zach Ertz was one of quarterback Jayden Daniels' favorite targets last season -- he caught 66 passes with seven touchdowns. Based on training camp, it appears that will be the case again in 2025.
They have consistently connected throughout practices, especially in the red zone -- as happened again Saturday for another touchdown when he blocked out safety Will Harris. Ertz's consistency as a route runner makes him a valuable target. During one drill Saturday he caught consecutive passes over the middle -- first versus a zone and then against man coverage.
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Receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. jammed a finger in his right hand after a pass from Daniels hit off his hands. It was late in practice so Samuel didn't return to the field and was seen rubbing his hand later while spending time with friends and family on the field.
Left guard Brandon Coleman also exited practice early, hobbling off the field and heading back into the facility. Andrew Wylie initially replaced him and Chris Paul also worked at the position with the starters. Coach Dan Quinn will provide injury updates on Monday with the team heading to New England the next day.
Thursday, July 31
Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt -- who prefers to be called Bill -- will be one of the Commanders' most intriguing players throughout the preseason. He played just one game for the University of Arizona last season before he was suspended over eligibility issues; Washington drafted him in the seventh round anyway.
It's hard to tell much about running backs before games are played, but Croskey-Merritt has impressed coaches and teammates with his quick one-cut moves and violent running nature. He flashed again Thursday with a long run around left end.
"It's the violence of the cuts," Quinn said, "and that he can get his shoulders square and get downhill fast. So, I'm very excited to see once we get into some opportunities, does he get tackled? Does he not? Does he run through some? But he's off to a really good start."
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Thursday provided another reminder of the good chemistry between quarterback Jayden Daniels and tight end Zach Ertz, especially in the red zone. The first two passes in the red zone today were 10-yard scoring throws to Ertz, the first where he blocked out the safety and the second off a quick play-action throw to the right flat.
Owner Josh Harris and minority owner Mark Ein attended practice today, one day ahead of the D.C. Council's vote on whether or not to approve a stadium being built at the site where they once played at RFK Stadium.
Tuesday, July 29
Washington's defense continues to give its offense problems in training camp. A key reason: the secondary. Washington's corners are much better in press man coverage than last year's group, allowing the Commanders to play more of that look successfully.
That has resulted in numerous failed fade routes when the front sends pressure. The wideouts have not consistently created separation, including versus the safeties.
The offense has clearly been impacted by not having hold-in receiver Terry McLaurin, who excels on those routes. And they're not game planning for the pressures. But it's a sign that the defense believes it can be more aggressive this season because of improved corner play that holds up long enough to send more pressure.
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Rookie tackle Josh Conerly Jr. worked on both the right and left sides Tuesday morning. He played on the left side at Oregon, but with Laremy Tunsil here, Conerly's immediate future is on the right side. He's still rotating with veteran Andrew Wylie at right tackle.
Receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. provided an offensive highlight. On a slot fade he got past corner Mike Sainristil and made a lunging catch on a Jayden Daniels throw. The only caveat on the play: Daniels might have been sacked had it been a real game.
Monday, July 28
Washington signed Deebo Samuel Sr. to provide what he had in San Francisco: A versatile offensive chess piece who can break tackles and run after the catch.
The Commanders have moved him around on offense, aligning him in different areas and letting him carry it on occasion. On Monday, Samuel caught a 5-yard touchdown from Jayden Daniels on a perfect pass to the corner of the end zone -- he bobbled the ball then held on.
Samuel also has been working at returning kickoffs, paired with Austin Ekeler. Coach Dan Quinn said he loves the energy Samuel brings to practice -- Samuel called himself a "high-energy guy." And he's rejuvenated after being traded to Washington in the offseason. "I've got a lot left in the tank," he said.
The defensive line continues to look strong. End Dorance Armstrong is off to a good start in camp -- he's been moved around more than last year and has rushed standing up on occasion.
The pads came out for the first time. There's no live tackling, but one good pop occurred when running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke through the line and was wrapped up by safety Tyler Owens. Croskey-Merritt will be one to watch in the preseason.
Sunday, July 27
There's a reason Washington's offense excelled late in games last season. The Commanders work a lot on end-of-game situations -- one reason they were 9-4 in one-score games. That was evident again Sunday -- and it helped end the struggles of an offense that was getting stymied by the defense for two practices in a row.
In this drill, Washington's offense started with the ball on the 40-yard line and 30 seconds left, trailing by 6. On the last play of the series, from around the 25-yard line, quarterback Jayden Daniels lofted a perfect pass to the last inches of the corner of the end zone. That's where rookie receiver Jaylin Lane outjumped three defensive backs and tapped his feet in-bounds. It was the highlight of the day.
Slot corner Mike Sainristil has had a strong camp -- after having a similar spring. He intercepted a pass over the middle during full-team drills -- after having grabbed a tipped ball in practice Friday as well. Sainristil is not a big guy at 182 pounds but he plays bigger than his size, which has been evident when he's faced receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.
Friday, July 25
It's been evident early in camp how much Washington wants to move its defensive pieces around this camp, notably along the line.
The Commanders will provide a variety of looks -- at times lining up pass-rushing linebackers Frankie Luvu and Jacob Martin next to each other with Von Miller on the other side. They've used end Dorance Armstrong inside in pass rush sets. They've used tackle Javon Kinlaw as an end in their three-tackle alignments.
They lack a dominant lineman but, coach Dan Quinn said, "I just like having a deep crew of guys that can be versatile and do things."
Cornerback Mike Sainristil continues to have a strong camp. On the first pass Friday, he grabbed a Jayden Daniels pass initially tipped by safety Quan Martin for an interception. He's worked often against receiver Deebo Samuel in the slot and has shown the ability to be physical.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner also intercepted Daniels in a later 7-on-7 drill, dropping to the middle and snagging the pass. Safety Tyler Owens picked off Marcus Mariota (two plays after the Sainristil interception).
Thursday, July 24
One reason Washington wanted to sign edge rusher Von Miller was because of the potential impact he could have on other players. And he should be a big help to linebacker Frankie Luvu, arguably Washington's best pass rusher. Luvu said he used to study Miller's pass-rush moves because he felt his game resembled his.
What Washington likes is that Miller is still versatile -- coach Dan Quinn said he could rush from an up position or with his hand in the dirt. He can execute stunts. Luvu, too, can be freed to rush from more places other than just the edge, and that can make him a more effective blitzer.
"I just like having a deep crew of guys that can be versatile and do things," Quinn said. "I also like the detail that he gets into as a pass rusher."
It should also be noted: Quinn gave Miller a veteran's day off on the second day of camp. Their goal is to keep him healthy and productive all season.
LB Frankie Luvu on Von Miller: pic.twitter.com/d91YEPByJI
— John Keim (@john_keim) July 24, 2025
QB Jayden Daniels made a nice check to a run call during an 11-on-11 drill, leading to a big gain by the running back through the right side. There are no pads so it's always hard to tell what a back would have done, but the check led to a motion, which put a linebacker in a worse spot -- and led to him being blocked. And that freed running back Kazmeir Allen for a nice gain.
Wednesday, July 23
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said while most players make a big jump for Year 1 to Year 2, quarterback Jayden Daniels made that leap during the season. Quinn said Daniels improved his efficiency the more defenses he faced and that quickened his decision making.
Daniels said his key focus this offseason was improving his footwork.
"To where I could be more accurate on throws," Daniels said.
And, indeed, he displayed them on his first pass during 11-on-11 work. He lofted a 25-yard pass to new receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., running a slot fade, for a touchdown. Defensive back Tyler Owens had good coverage, but was defeated by a perfect pass.
As he did in the spring, rookie Josh Conerly Jr., worked with the second offensive line behind veteran Andrew Wylie. This isn't a surprise as Quinn will make him earn the job -- just as he did last year when he did not hand the starting QB job to Daniels.
Linebacker Von Miller, who will wear 24 in Washington, took several pass-rushing reps vs. Conerly. He was able to drive Conerly back on one bull rush, though the rookie eventually anchored. Another time Conerly maintained outside leverage to negate a rush. Otherwise, quick passes negated any chance for pressure.