Loser No. 4
Kaytron Allen - Commanders RB
There was an enormous amount of intrigue around sixth-round running back Kaytron Allen heading into his first offseason. The physical presence laid his cards on the table early, proclaiming his desire for an important role with the sort of confidence that's hard not to love.
Allen flashed throughout training camp, especially during some of the padded sessions. Unfortunately, his preseason hasn't gone nearly as well, which makes his role in 2026 hard to predict.
Things couldn't have gotten off to a worse start for Allen. He fumbled the ball on the Washington Commanders' opening drive and was only allocated two more carries after that for a grand total of four rushing yards. The Penn State product also had a nine-yard kickoff return and wasn't targeted in the passing game.
There is no doubt Allen wanted to leave a bigger impression. But he should still be in contention for the team's short-yardage role behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White.
Winner No. 2
Tim Settle Jr. - Commanders DL
Tim Settle Jr. has endured a stop-start summer due to injury. The Commanders brought the interior defensive lineman back for a second spell with the club in free agency, and he is projected to start alongside Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw on Daronte Jones' 3-4 new defensive front.
Washington has approached Settle's recovery cautiously. However, seeing him back on the field and looking sharp during his first-half involvement represented a positive amid the almost constant doom and gloom against the Baltimore Ravens.
Much like the situation with defensive back Tyler Owens, the Commanders played Settle to get him some much-needed reps. The veteran knows how to perform when it counts, but this was an important step in readiness for the challenges that will await him in Philadelphia.
With 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton out long-term with a torn pectoral muscle, Settle's role becomes even more vital. And this cameo suggests he can meet expectations.
Loser No. 5
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
All eyes were on which players would be active for the Commanders, providing clues about who could make the team and who wouldn't. And the wide receiver dynamic was among the most interesting.
Dyami Brown and Treylon Burks did not suit up. Van Jefferson Jr. did, and so did Luke McCaffrey.
This was telling.
Anyone who thought McCaffrey's place on the 53-man roster was assured got a brutal reality check. Dropping a pass against the Ravens and failing to come back to meet the football on another showed how much hard work the wideout has ahead.
While it would be surprising to see McCaffrey not make the team, especially given his value in the return game, there are now doubts. Much will depend on how many receivers they take through, but if it's seven, it could be between the Rice product and Jefferson for the final spot.
And it'll be interesting to see how things will unfold in the hours ahead.
Add us as a preferred source on Google