3 winners (and 4 losers) from Commanders' ugly preseason loss to the Bengals

There was an enormous sense of excitement as the Washington Commanders returned to preseason action at Northwest Stadium with the bright lights of Monday Night Football glaring. Although some established veterans weren't risked, fans got the chance to see quarterback Jayden Daniels strut his stuff for the first time since the NFC Championship game.

Daniels was on the field for one drive and didn't attempt a pass. However, his rushing touchdown was all head coach Dan Quinn needed to see. After that, it was another opportunity for those aiming to secure rotational roles or spots on the 53-man roster to shine.

Some turned in impressive showings. Others weren't able to raise their production accordingly. That won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters, whose ruthless roster building came to the fore once again this week by all but removing running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the equation.

This is all part of the process, but anyone who accumulates significant reps in Washington's preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday should have their respective fates sealed. Who that'll be is anyone's guess, but time is officially running out to stake a claim.

Before then, here are three winners and four losers from Washington's preseason defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Winners and losers from the Commanders' preseason loss to the Bengals

Loser No. 1

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Fans might never get to see the breakout of Luke McCaffrey. The Washington Commanders would have been wise to get him some targets in this one, but the former third-round pick was a proverbial afterthought in the passing game once again.

In fairness to McCaffery, he did get open on two go routes, but veteran signal-caller Josh Johnson wasn't able to get through his progressions quickly enough. The Rice product didn't get a single target during his time on the field, and he wasn't able to feature in the return game.

This only adds to the uncertainty around McCaffrey's role in 2025. It's unlikely that Adam Peters won't take him onto the 53-man roster. Still, the second-year pro is in real danger of being buried down the depth chart unless there is a significant surge in Year 2 of his professional career.

The Commanders don't have any room for passengers as they look to cement their status as a perennial contender. Hopefully, McCaffrey's influence can increase once Jayden Daniels gets more time on the field.

Otherwise, the Commanders have a problem on their hands.

Winner No. 1

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

With Brian Robinson Jr. on the trade block as his time with the Washington Commanders comes to a sad end, other running backs got the chance to shine.

All the hype has centered on rookie sensation Jacory Croskey-Merritt. However, there is another roster hopeful who could arguably become the biggest beneficiary of all.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. has a huge opportunity awaiting him. The former sixth-round pick got the chance to start in this one, and he took full advantage. His first run went for an explosive 40-yard gain right out of the gate, which is exactly what Kliff Kingsbury wants to see as part of his high-octane offense.

Rodriguez made a big statement as rumors ran rampant about Robinson's next destination. The Kentucky product finished with 62 rushing yards on six carries to lead the team. If he keeps this up, then plenty of carries will be coming his way when the real action arrives.

Loser No. 2

Bobby Price - Commanders CB

Once the starting cornerbacks — who were already without the services of second-round rookie Trey Amos — left the game, things unraveled quickly further down the depth chart. This won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters, so expect to see some tryouts in the coming days.

Any new arrivals won't bode well for Bobby Price after this performance. The veteran defensive back was a weak link that the Cincinnati Bengals looked to exploit at every opportunity. There were a couple of nice plays in coverage, but it was nowhere near the desired level overall.

The former Norfolk State star was on and off the practice squad last season. Price got another reserve/futures deal from the organization, but his fortunes are now hanging by a thread.

If the Commanders believe that an upgrade can be found at some stage, Price might be the player who makes way. And judging on this performance, he can have absolutely no complaints.

Winner No. 2

Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR

After being used sparingly during Washington's first preseason outing against the New England Patriots, fans got a longer look at what Jaylin Lane could potentially bring to the table in 2025. And they left suitably impressed.

The No. 128 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft is a dynamic playmaker. Lane makes things happen with the football in his hands and boasts enough speed to create separation if he gets off press coverage effectively. For the first time, the former Virginia Tech standout showcased these credentials in a typical NFL game-day setting.

Lane brought in three receptions, including an eye-catching grab downfield, from six targets for 46 receiving yards. This comfortably led all Washington's wideouts on a night where the passing game couldn't get going consistently enough.

This is a step in the right direction for Lane. Once the rookie fourth-rounder builds enough chemistry with Jayden Daniels and earns more trust from Kliff Kingsbury, he's got a role to play.

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.

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.

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