The Washington Commanders had some difficult decisions to make regarding their roster. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn gained a lot of information throughout the offseason, but a poor couple of weeks to finish training camp and the preseason made things even more uncertain.
Peters opted not to make any waiver claims, which was surprising. The Commanders are desperately short of decent offensive line depth. They only have three healthy cornerbacks on the squad as things stand, and the defensive front could also use another capable performer.
At the same time, Peters is seemingly content with what the Commanders have right now. And there is also genuine trust in those who've tried hard to remain part of the team's plans.
Quinn and Peters better be right.
The Commanders have a lot riding on this season. Pressure will build on the primary decision-makers quickly if they don't start well. But with Washington already dealing with some troubling injuries, it could legitimately go either way.
Not everyone was pleased with the conclusions Washington made on its initial 53-man roster. More moves will be made before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and there are also practice-squad players to consider. But this is the large majority of the group tasked with bouncing back in 2026.
That's for the future. For now, here are five winners and three losers from the Commanders' 2026 roster cull.
Winners and losers from the Washington Commanders' 53-man roster choices
Winner No. 1
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders gave wide receiver Dyami Brown another shot this offseason, but he had to earn his place on the roster. And while his fortunes were hanging in the balance earlier this year, his performance levels at training camp and the preseason were enough to see him through.
This is a massive positive for Brown, who feels comfortable in Washington and has a nice rapport with quarterback Jayden Daniels. Just what sort of role he will play on the offensive rotation remains to be seen.
Others are seemingly ahead of Brown in the pecking order. However, considering how bleak things looked after a disastrous season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, making the team is an achievement.
Loser No. 1
Trey Amos - Commanders CB
Amid all the dramatic roster news, the Commanders placed second-year cornerback Trey Amos on injured reserve. He has already been designated to return, but the former Ole Miss standout now looks set to miss the first four games of the campaign.
It's been another frustrating summer for Amos. He worked hard to return from a fractured fibula, but he sustained an ankle sprain during his second practice of training camp after falling awkwardly. And the frustration on Dan Quinn's face when discussing the defensive back's status spoke volumes.
Even if Amos does return quickly, he's missed a lot of time. The Commanders may not see the best of him until after their bye week.
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