Loser No. 1
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin still doesn't have his new contract from the Washington Commanders. The wide receiver felt holding out of training camp was the best way to pile on the pressure, but it hasn't had the desired effect as yet.
Both sides remain committed to finding some middle ground. This has gone on longer than originally anticipated as general manager Adam Peters looks for a deal that benefits the Commanders as well as the player. McLaurin's frustrations are obvious, but his presence at the facility on Back Together Sunday brought fresh hope that an agreement was imminent.
McLaurin is on the physically unable to perform list with a reported ankle issue. He's missed a full week of practice, which is far from ideal. But if the lucrative contract extension arrives and the injury recovers fully, the former third-round selection out of Ohio State should be ready to make an immediate impact in Week 1 against the New York Giants.
Players are rallying around McLaurin. He got a hero's reception from fans upon his triumphant return to Ashburn. The wideout's back for them, but he's unlikely to take the practice field until he signs on the dotted line.
The sooner that happens, the better.
Winner No. 4
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
Jacory Croskey-Merritt emerged as an offseason standout almost from the moment he got into the building. Although this was positive, some fans wondered if the running back could keep this up when training camp rolled around.
It's been so far, so good on that front. While it's difficult to evaluate running backs before the pads go on, the praise Croskey-Merritt is receiving from coaches and the flashes he's displaying at practice represent another positive step in the right direction.
The Commanders saw something in Croskey-Merritt that others didn't. His draft stock took a major hit after the NCAA revoked his eligibility one game into his transfer to Arizona. After waiting until the No. 245 overall selection to hear his name called, the chip on his shoulder cannot be more obvious.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are the starting tandem, which is likely to remain the case heading into the season. But the decisiveness of Croskey-Merritt's cuts and his explosiveness to exploit gaps indicate a key rotational role is well within reach if everything checks out in the preseason.
Bigger tests are coming for Croskey-Merritt. Even so, the backfield threat is off to a sensational start in pursuit of playing time.