Loser No. 1
Tyree Jackson - Commanders TE
The margins are razor-thin for anybody on the fringes. Even the slightest setback can be enough to turn the tide. That proved the case for one roser hopeful who'd made a decent impression over the early stages of training camp.
After Tyree Jackson caught the eye with some impressive catches in Week 1, his positivity came screeching to an abrupt halt. The Washington Commanders placed the tight end on injured reserve, all but ending his slim hopes of making the squad.
Jackson was always facing an uphill battle. The Commanders have Zach Ertz, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott as roster locks. Colson Yankoff should make it, too, which means everyone else would be out of luck. However, there was a growing belief that the former Buffalo college standout was doing enough to potentially sneak onto the practice squad.
Now, that's increasingly uncertain. The Commanders didn't disclose the injury or its severity, but it's a massive blow nonetheless.
Winner No. 2
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
There are several candidates in contention for training camp MVP right now. Mike Sainristil is right at the forefront of any discussions.
The second-year cornerback enjoyed a standout campaign in 2024 that went completely under the radar thanks to Jayden Daniels. Sainristil is building on his positive momentum this offseason. He's also thriving in his preferred position after the Commanders moved him back into the nickel.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is utilizing Marshon Lattimore and second-round pick Trey Amos as his starting tandem on the boundary. Sainristil is working from the slot, which is where his anticipation and athleticism are best suited. It's had the desired effect throughout training camp.
One cannot be anything other than impressed by the way he's applied himself so far. Sainristil looks like a future franchise cornerstone. If the same trend continues when competitive action commences, he'll be a household name in no time.
Loser No. 2
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OL
The Commanders are counting heavily on their offensive line this season. Adam Peters invested heavily in the protection, trading for Laremy Tunsil and taking Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. But there are growing concerns about whether this squad has enough depth on the interior.
Sam Cosmi is still working his way back from a torn ACL. Dan Quinn hasn't completely ruled him out of featuring in Week 1, but it would be a shock of epic proportions. And now, there could be more to worry about after Brandon Coleman limped off the field during Sunday's practice.
Coleman is switching to the left guard spot this season, and everything was progressing well until this unfortunate development. Quinn stated that the former third-round pick out of TCU would not practice on Monday. This leaves his status for joint practice and a preseason game versus the New England Patriots unclear.
More details will be revealed in the coming days, but Coleman cannot afford any major setbacks.