There is plenty for the Washington Commanders to deliberate over during the pre-training camp break. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will have a clearer sense of where things stand after early offseason workouts, which featured a raised tempo following such a poor campaign in 2025.
Everyone knows how high the stakes are for Washington next season. Everyone is also working hard to put things right, laying the foundations before things get tougher over the summer. That doesn't guarantee success, but it's not a bad place to start.
The Commanders are giving each player a fair chance to flourish. Some have thrived under the pressure. Others are taking more time to settle, which is not uncommon but worth monitoring nonetheless.
With this in mind, here are six Commanders players who may have lost ground over the team's mandatory minicamp.
Washington Commanders players who lost crucial ground at 2026 minicamp
Sam Hartman - Commanders QB
There is a battle happening between Sam Hartman and seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis for the QB3 job behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. Despite a decent final day of minicamp, the 2024 undrafted free agent's overall performance was not especially encouraging.
Hartman has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad, and that will probably be his best-case scenario again next season. Kaliakmanis has been more accurate, more poised, and more confident. Unless there is a drastic shift, the former Notre Dame standout will once again face an uncertain future after final cuts.
Foster Sarrell - Commanders OT
Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. are the bookend tackle tandem. Their blossoming relationship could be a significant asset to the Commanders, but they still need capable backups who can slot in when required.
Andrew Wylie's versatility and experience make him the perfect swing tackle. Brandon Coleman and Trent Scott can operate on the edge, though the former is currently aiming to unseat Chris Paul as the starting left guard. The Commanders also brought back Foster Sarrell for a second stint with the franchise, but his consistency at minicamp was somewhat concerning.
According to those in attendance, Sarrell had a difficult time dealing with fifth-round rookie edge rusher Joshua Josephs. It's hard to judge fully without much contact or no pads, but the margins are becoming finer for the veteran in pursuit of securing his place on the 53-man roster.
The Commanders cut Sarrell last summer after he failed to do enough. All hope is not lost yet, but it's starting to look like the same fate will befall him at some stage before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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