It hasn't been the start head coach Dan Quinn envisioned for his Washington Commanders squad in 2026. And some players' alarming starts aren't helping matters.
The Commanders now sit at 0-2 after a second straight divisional loss on the road. They are struggling to find confidence, especially on defense. And they will now be without quarterback Jayden Daniels after he sustained yet another dislocated elbow at AT&T Stadium.
With safety Nick Cross, right guard Sam Cosmi, and defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw also dealing with health problems, this season is in real danger of unraveling before it even begins. Quinn is facing increased scrutiny, and with some difficult-looking games ahead, the team needs a massive effort to turn the tide.
Because everyone knows what comes next for Quinn if he cannot salvage something from the campaign.
The time for half-measures has gone. Some weak links are already forming, and the Commanders have to act. If that means shaking things up, so be it, but this is not the time to sit on their hands and let things play out.
It'll be interesting to see what unfolds, but with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks up next, things might get worse before they get better.
And for these five Commanders players, they are already bordering on unplayable just two games into the 2026 campaign.
Washington Commanders players who are already bordering on unplayable two games into 2026
Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR/KR
Luke McCaffrey has been a healthy scratch over the first two games of 2026. He is pretty low down the pecking order in Washington's wide receiver room, which has left Jaylin Lane returning kicks early in the campaign.
Things have not gone well for the 2025 fourth-round selection.
Lane muffed several kickoff returns during Washington's defeat to the Cowboys. None resulted in turnovers, but it could easily have gone the other way. He got lucky, but the Commanders' coaching staff won't have missed it.
McCaffrey was on a Pro Bowl trajectory as a kick returner before breaking his collarbone last season. Things didn't go according to plan this summer, but based on last season's efforts, he would be an upgrade on Lane.
Considering Lane has only one target and 29 snaps on offense through two games, coupled with his lack of consistency in the return game, one has to wonder why the coaching staff is sticking with him. McCaffrey might not be much better, but he displayed more assured hands and elusiveness on special teams last season.
The Commanders might decide to give Lane one more shot this weekend against the Seahawks. But the leash must be tightening after some real frailties in his concentration became apparent.
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