After an intense, grueling summer, the Washington Commanders finally get their preseason campaign underway against the Miami Dolphins. And confidence should be high after a solid joint practice with the AFC East club.
It's unlikely that head coach Dan Quinn will risk many of his starters in this one. They will play over the next couple of warm-up games, but they also got in a lot of work during joint practice. That leaves plenty of opportunities for those looking to stake a claim a little further down the pecking order.
The Commanders worked hard to raise competition this offseason. It's brought a positive response from the players, but the preseason will be their strongest test.
Performing well in a typical game-day setting can make a massive difference. It can even be the tipping point for good or bad. Those on the fringes will only get so many chances, while those seeking bigger roles have to earn the right, just like everyone else.
We only have a few short weeks left before final cuts are due. General manager Adam Peters will be watching closely, so starting on the front foot is crucial.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players whose futures could shift, for better or worse, during Washington's preseason curtain-raiser at Northwest Stadium.
Washington Commanders players whose futures could shift in preseason opener against the Dolphins
Kain Medrano - Commanders LB
Kain Medrano entered his second offseason with the Commanders as an unknown quantity. The linebacker wasn't seen at all on the defensive rotation. He was brought along gradually, and rightfully so, but much more is expected this time around.
Medrano has all the athleticism in the world. That's not a concern, so this is more a case of enhancing some technical aspects of his game while also improving his positional sense.
The flashes this summer have been promising. Medrano seemingly looks a little more comfortable. Last year's experience has served him well, and with Nick Bellore now retired, the former UCLA star could occupy a pivotal role on special teams with his burst and instinctiveness.
Washington's preseason games will be the best indicator yet of how far along Medrano is and how much improvement has been made.
Nobody knows for sure, and everyone reacts differently. But with so much strength in the Commanders' linebacking corps these days, the margin for error has long gone.
What comes next is down to Medrano. Having the athletic traits is one thing, but that will only get you so far. Either he steps things up, or the Commanders will find someone who can.
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