Loser No. 3
Car'lin Vigers - Commanders CB
It was a difficult evening at the office for Car'lin Vigers. The undrafted free agent has stood out on occasion during training camp practices, but there is a significant amount of hard work ahead before he can accumulate defensive reps in a regular-season setting.
The Washington Commanders have five of their cornerback spots locked in heading into final cuts. Vigers was seen as a lively contender to be the sixth, but that might not be the case anymore.
Vigers looked decent enough in coverage. He failed to generate any real momentum and suffered accordingly from a tackling standpoint. The former Louisiana-Monroe standout has the size and length to be more physical, but there are some obvious growing pains being experienced.
That's not entirely surprising. It's a major step-up in class from anything Vigers experienced consistently in college. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether his athletic attributes can eventually become a productive performer with more refinement.
Winner No. 3
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
Brian Robinson Jr.'s imminent departure sets the stage for Jacory Croskey-Merritt to have a much bigger impact than most anticipated. The seventh-round rookie's surge this summer has been nothing short of phenomenal. He gave fans a small glimpse of what he could potentially bring to a competitive setting versus the Bengals.
Croskey-Merritt flashed immense potential. It's why Robinson is being made surplus to requirements, and the first-year pro capitalized on a huge running lane to go in for a touchdown during the first quarter.
BILL 💸
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 19, 2025
📺 #CINvsWAS ESPN pic.twitter.com/mltwoCHhdh
The No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft eventually gained 46 rushing yards and one score from 11 carries. Washington's coaching staff thinks a lot of Croskey-Merritt, so it's not hard to see why his stock is soaring in fantasy football drafts across the country.
This might end up being a committee approach to the backfield moving forward. However, there's no doubt Croskey-Merritt has a role to play.
Loser No. 4
Commanders backup QBs
The Commanders could have a problem brewing behind Jayden Daniels. Veteran backup Marcus Mariota has been dealing with injuries throughout the summer and wasn't risked against the Bengals. As for the third and fourth string options? Let's just say their performances left a lot to be desired.
Much will depend on how many quarterbacks the Commanders take through, but general manager Adam Peters would be wise to scour the waiver wire for potential upgrades. Based on this showing, Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman are not up to the required standard.
Johnson came in for Daniels after one drive. He looked less decisive than last weekend despite Cincinnati's indifferent defense, completing 6-of-9 passes for 69 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and a 44.0 passer rating. The veteran failed to spot Luke McCaffrey open on two go routes for big gains, which typified his conservative approach throughout the evening.
Things didn't get any better when Sam Hartman got a shot under center. The former Notre Dame and Wake Forest standout mustered a 40 percent completion percentage for 29 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and a lowly 8.3 passer rating. This poor production has been evident throughout the preseason, so it might be time for the Commanders to seek alternatives.