Austin Ekeler needs more work
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is on injured reserve, so the Washington Commanders need someone else to step up in their running back room. Offensive coordinator David Blough is still using a committee approach, but veteran Austin Ekeler is gradually increasing his influence after returning to the club.
Ekeler re-signed during the campaign and immediately got some work in Week 4. It was always going to be a work in progress, especially coming off a torn Achilles tendon, but the explosiveness and conviction seem to be returning.
The Western Colorado product looked sharp against the Eagles. Ekeler's burst in wide-zone runs caught the eye, and this will no doubt have been another big confidence boost for the dual-threat.
Trey Amos is finding his groove
Trey Amos made his triumphant return to the Commanders' lineup before the bye week after missing most of the last calendar year with a fractured fibula and sprained ankle. Based on his showing, the cornerback is eager to make up for some lost time.
Amos is finding his football legs again. He looked much more assured in coverage, mirroring receivers well and becoming a sticky presence that proved difficult to overcome. His play on Makai Lemon in the first half was exceptional, showing how quickly he's gotten back into the swing of things.
The Commanders need this trend to continue. If Amos stays healthy, he has all the tools to be an integral part of this defense for years to come.
Luke McCaffrey's return flashes
Luke McCaffrey may never become what the Commanders envisioned on the receiver rotation. However, he continues to catch the eye in the return game with Jaylin Lane out injured.
McCaffrey was on a potential Pro Bowl trajectory as a kick returner last season before sustaining a broken collarbone. It's taken the 2024 third-round pick time to get back into favor, but this performance proved he's Washington's best option right now.
The former Rice star looked sharp and decisive, exploiting even the smallest gaps for decent gains. And in a game that was always going to be decided by fine margins, it was a big boost to the Commanders when they needed it most.
Stefon Diggs came through in more ways than one
The Commanders won't have Terry McLaurin for the rest of 2026 after the wide receiver suffered a torn patellar tendon against the San Francisco 49ers. This placed the onus squarely on Stefon Diggs to become the inspirational presence.
It's a responsibility Diggs took seriously. He made some key plays on the field, including a touchdown to tie the game in the first half. However, his motivation on the sidelines and his ability to help the younger receivers will prove invaluable as we go further.
A few eyebrows were raised when the Commanders granted Diggs' homecoming wish this offseason. The Maryland product has silenced every doubter so far, and long may it continue.
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