It's been a fascinating start to training camp for the Washington Commanders. The atmosphere is right where it needs to be, the tempo and intensity are high, and the battles for supremacy are raging on.
And with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs set to participate in practice after signing a one-year deal that could be worth up to $12 million, it's about to get even spicier.
The Commanders are in a good spot. Everyone has fully bought into the new offensive and defensive systems. Both sides of the field are competing hard against each other, which is the best way for general manager Adam Peters to assess who is rising and what more might be required to help Washington bounce back from such a poor campaign.
Hype is growing around some intriguing risers. On the flip side, these six Commanders players may already be falling behind.
Washington Commanders players who are already falling behind at 2026 training camp
Jerome Ford - Commanders RB
The running back dynamic is starting to work itself out. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White are both impressing and should have important roles to play. After taking some time to find his feet, sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen is starting to come alive with every padded practice.
If the same trend continues, this could be Washington's backfield trio working in a committee. It also leaves only one spot for the rest, and Jerome Ford faces a tough fight to stay relevant.
Ford joined the Commanders on a one-year deal this offseason. He's an explosive rusher who can break off big plays. But even though the Commanders have yet to take the field for preseason, it already looks like he will be the No. 4 option at best.
And with Jeremy McNichols offering special-teams value, a situation could emerge where Ford is either cut or traded before the new campaign.
Drake Jackson - Commanders OLB
The Commanders' edge rusher room already looks faster and more explosive, and there is still the return of Dorance Armstrong Jr. to factor into the equation.
Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson have been menacing presences coming off the edge. Charles Omenihu looks like he could be a useful, versatile piece for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to depend on. Rookie fifth-round pick Joshua Josephs has made some significant waves, potentially forcing his way into the team's plans.
As for Drake Jackson? It's unclear how far along he is right now. The injury-plagued second-round pick has managed to stay healthy, which is a bonus. But in terms of a place on the 53-man roster, that now seems like a long shot unless there is an exceptional surge over the preseason.
A steep challenge awaits Jackson in the coming weeks. And the margin for error has long gone.
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