13 Commanders players to watch in Week 18 finale vs Cowboys

Percy Butler, Safety and Special Teams

When the Washington Commanders selected Louisiana safety Percy Butler in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, it came as something of a surprise.  Most scouting services had rated him as a late-round prospect.  His special teams skills are solid, but Butler will need to work his way into being a solid backup at safety in 2023. Sunday could be a good first step.

Christian Holmes, Cornerback and Special Teams

Christian Holmes, the seventh-round pick for the Commanders last spring, has struggled this season.  He will need to show the coaching staff and front office that he is worthy of a place on this roster during the offseason.  Sunday can provide the Oklahoma State star with a good start to make his case.  For now, he could be on the bubble heading into training camp this summer.  Holmes is probably the one player with the most to prove.

Khaleke Hudson, Linebacker and Special Teams

Khaleke Hudson’s place on the roster during the upcoming offseason could be tenuous.  He hasn’t been a reliable option as a rotational piece at linebacker and his special teams acumen has fallen off this season.  Sunday could be one of Hudson’s last opportunities to demonstrate why he should stick around.

Efe Obada, Defensive End

Efe Obada has been a good backup and relief player for the Commanders this season.  He has contributed 3 sacks, 23 tackles (3 tackles for a loss), 2 passes defended, and 7 quarterback hits this season.  That is solid production from the former Carolina Panthers player (are you surprised?) and the Commanders should consider bringing him back for another season.  Can he register another sack or two on Sunday?

Shaka Toney, Defensive End and Special Teams

2021 seventh-round draft pick Shaka Toney had a decent rookie season, but he struggled somewhat in 2022.  He played well as a special teamer this season, but the coaching staff was expecting him to be a solid contributor in the defensive line rotation.  Toney rarely saw the field on defensive snaps, but Sunday’s game could be the start of a positive turnaround for the former Penn State standout.  Toney has the potential and Sunday is his chance to showcase that talent.

Rachad Wildgoose, Cornerback and Special Teams

Rachad Wildgoose proved to be a decent rotational option at cornerback for the Commanders in 2022, but he could be pushed by any newcomers in the offseason.  On special teams, Wildgoose was solid at times, but also had his struggles with penalties and mistakes.  If he is in line for significant playing time on Sunday, the former Badger will need to have a solid game against the Cowboys and demonstrate that the miscues can be kept to a minimum.

There is your list of players to focus on this Sunday.  What kind of production can we expect from them?  Which players will make the most of this opportunity against the Cowboys?  Will any of them struggle to make an impression this weekend?  These questions will linger into the offseason, but Sunday’s game is going to be a statement from these players.  See you as we go along.