Loser No. 3
Tyler Owens - Commanders S
This was a huge opportunity for Tyler Owens. The Washington Commanders didn't suit up their starting safety tandem of Quan Martin and Will Harris, leaving the former undrafted free agent to take center stage in pursuit of additional involvement in 2025.
It did not go well. Owens whiffed on an open field tackle early in the game, which set the tone for a disappointing evening at the office. The Texas Tech product wasn't alone in that regard, but it's clear that there is a lot of growing needed before confidence increases in his chances.
Things like the missed tackle will stand out on the tape when the Commanders dissect this poor showing. Joe Whitt Jr. won't pull any punches with Owens, so how the defensive back responds in the face of adversity is crucial.
Owens' roster spot still looks secure. Even so, the Commanders will be expecting a bounce back in practice this week before their second preseason engagement.
Winner No. 3
Car'lin Vigers - Commanders CB
Car'lin Vigers is coming along quicker than most expected. The undrafted free agent is not the finished article by any stretch, but there is enough to suggest that the Commanders might have something in the physically imposing cornerback.
That was further evidenced by a decent display in Washington's preseason opener. It was far from perfect, but the former Louisiana-Monroe standout left everything out on the field and was around the football consistently.
Considering how others on the defensive depth chart weren't exactly thriving, it was good to see Vigers flashing the athletic traits that attracted the Commanders when undrafted free agency commenced. The eight tackles he gained should serve him well, and if the same trend continues over the next two warmup contests, the rookie should find himself on the 53-man roster.
Vigers will have gained a tremendous amount from this experience. And he vastly outperformed others in the secondary who were looking to stake a claim.
Loser No. 4
Michael Gallup - Commanders WR
The Commanders are giving Michael Gallup another shot in the NFL this summer. Dan Quinn knows the wide receiver well from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys, and he's got some outstanding previous production to raise optimism. However, nothing is guaranteed regarding his roster status.
Washington's wide receiver depth is coming under scrutiny. Terry McLaurin's absence is being sorely felt, which is only strengthening his position at the bargaining table. As for Gallup? There wasn't much to encourage on his return to a typical NFL game-day setting.
Gallup struggled to create separation. Concentration issues when the football came his way were rife throughout, bringing in just two receptions from six targets for 27 receiving yards. Not exactly the best first impression, but the Commanders won't be giving up on him yet.
It's also worth remembering that Gallup had Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman throwing him the football. But this showing proved there is a lot of hard work ahead.