4 exciting things Commanders fans can look forward to after the 2024 bye week

Commanders' young players stepping forward

Just because they will be involved in meaningful, high-pressure games, that does not mean Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn will shy away from putting his rookies on the field.

Most of them are no longer rookies by this point anyway considering how heavily most have been involved. And it is a good bet that at least two of them will step up over the final month.

Jayden Daniels has been doing it all season, but the other youngsters have had less showy rookie campaigns. Mike Sainristil has emerged as a steady cornerback. Johnny Newton looks to have a great future playing next to Daron Payne in the middle of the defense. Brandon Coleman looks more comfortable every time he gets another game under his belt at left tackle.

Those four players are already making solid contributions. Expect to see one or two others make plays for the Commanders in the final month.

Ben Sinnott has seemed on the verge of a breakout for several weeks now. Zach Ertz is still going to get the majority of the looks at tight end, but the No. 53 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft could lessen the load on the 34-year-old and begin making a name for himself.

Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu have been crucial to Washington’s revived defense as a formidable linebacking tandem. But if Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. want to get them some rest, Jordan Magee could see the field.

Magee has contributed primarily on special teams since his return from injury. It might be time to get a glimpse of what the rookie has learned playing behind Wagner all season. That will be a big boost to Washington's defensive depth if nothing else.

Luke McCaffrey, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and undrafted free agent Tyler Owens could all play some important snaps in the final games. If they do, a couple of them are going to make plays.