Kaytron Allen - Commanders RB
Kaytron Allen's preseason debut against the Miami Dolphins was a tricky evaluation. The sixth-round rookie running back didn't have any negative plays, which is encouraging. However, the pre-draft concerns about his lack of burst were also evident despite getting plenty of touches.
It's all part of the growing process for Allen.
With Jerome Ford (injured reserve), Jeremy McNichols, and free-agent signing Rachaad White all sitting out on Day 13, the former Penn State standout got another chance to impress. And there was a lot to like about the relentless approach and ability to exploit gaps.
The Washington Commanders should have a role for Allen. It won't be as a bell-cow option; not with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and White around. But if he can become a physical force in between the tackles, that might be all offensive coordinator David Blough needs from him initially.
And it's a responsibility Allen can handle if the offensive line meets its end of the bargain.
Nick Cross - Commanders S
There is an intriguing competition developing for the second starting safety position. But everyone already knows who the alpha on Washington's defensive back end is.
Nick Cross was an intriguing addition to the ranks this offseason. The Commanders believe he can be the tone-setting presence this team hasn't had since Jeremy Chinn left town, and the impressive start made this summer only lends further weight to these claims.
According to those in attendance, it was a good day for Cross. He blew up a couple of screen passes and always seemed to be around the action. The former Maryland standout has great vision and anticipation, which is key within the scheme new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones plans to run.
Just who will line up next to Cross is the big debate. It may even be a committee approach, depending on the in-game situation. But this unit will go as far as the free-agent signing takes them.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
The Commanders know what quarterback Jayden Daniels is focused on. While the noise around his current dispute with LSU remains a source of ridicule on social media, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft isn't worried about that.
Daniels is all about the business at hand, which is laying the foundations for a bounce-back campaign.
🕺🕺🕺@SeatGeek | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/VLzkpyM1Zd
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 19, 2026
This was another impressive practice from Daniels. He looks comfortable within David Blough's system, the timing with his playmakers is on point, and he is getting the football out of his hands quickly. There was one slight overthrow on a deep route to wide receiver Treylon Burks, but that was about it.
With Marcus Mariota out for the rest of the preseason, Daniels got more work than usual. Whether this means he won't be risked in the preseason is undetermined, but it might be worth getting some live-fire reps into him for a series or two against the Detroit Lions before joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens.
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