Winner No. 2
Tanoa Togiai - Commanders OL
Everyone loves an underdog story. After becoming the most surprising name on the Washington Commanders' initial 53-man roster, that is precisely what undrafted rookie offensive lineman Tanoa Togiai became.
Nobody gave Togiai much chance of making the squad, in all honesty. He was starting from the bottom and had to work his way up the depth chart. The poor performances of others opened the door for a place, and even though the Utah product was far from perfect during Washington's preseason slate, it was enough to book his spot.
This is a massive positive for Togiai, but he will still be nervously looking over his shoulder.
The Commanders could add to the roster before Week 1, depending on what opportunities become available. And if they manage to get another dependable veteran lineman into the building, the first-year pro will probably be the one to make way.
But for now, Togiai deserves enormous credit.
Loser No. 2
Antonio Hamilton Sr.
The Commanders' cornerback dynamic was fascinating. Trey Amos' ongoing injury concerns have thrown the team's plans into tatters, and as it turned out, general manager Adam Peters only took through three healthy corners onto the initial 53-man roster.
This was a shocker, but there is still time to add more. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive lineman Johnny Newton haven't been placed on injured reserve yet, so that will free up two spots. But unfortunately for Antonio Hamilton Sr., his time in Washington is over.
Hamilton fancied his chances of making the squad, but the Commanders decided against it. This clearly didn't sit well with the veteran, who reportedly turned down a place on the practice squad after being snubbed.
CB Antonio Hamilton has declined a spot on Washington’s practice squad, per source.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 31, 2026
Fabian Moreau is considered the likely CB to be added to the 53.
The player might feel like he can catch on elsewhere. Hamilton's anger may have come into play, but the Commanders did what they believed was right to take the team forward.
Winner No. 3
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders OLB
With the significant investments made in the edge rushing room this offseason, 2024 seventh-round selection Javontae Jean-Baptiste was in real danger of becoming an afterthought. However, a highly impressive summer saw him fight back from the brink to cement his status on the roster.
It's not hard to see why Jean-Baptiste's role was in jeopardy. He missed a large part of the 2025 campaign due to injury, and the additions made during free agency and the draft only pushed him lower down the depth chart.
This was a sink-or-swim moment for the Notre Dame product. And it brought a positive response.
Jean-Baptiste looked explosive at training camp. He's worked hard on improving his hand technique and bend around the edge. The results spoke for themselves, and the Commanders rewarded him accordingly with a roster spot.
Whether Jean-Baptiste can crack the defensive rotation is another matter, but don't count him out just yet.
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