The Washington Commanders are dealing with some issues in the wide receiver room for one reason or another. This has propelled one fan favorite firmly into the limelight, and he's grasped the opportunity with both hands.
This stage of preparations for the new campaign is all about finding a stable base. Things will get more intense when training camp rolls around, but players up and down the depth chart can build enough momentum to give the coaching staff plenty to think about.
Second-team All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin is holding out as he awaits his new contract. Noah Brown and Michael Gallup both missed time during Washington's mandatory minicamp due to injury. The Commanders also erred on the side of caution with rookie Jaylin Lane, which placed Luke McCaffrey firmly under the microscope.
Luke McCaffrey must keep up the tempo when Commanders' wide receivers return
McCaffrey has taken a more prominent role with wideout options a little thin on the ground. It's a responsibility he's taken seriously, and the former third-round pick is well on his way to carving out a bigger role for himself next time around.
15 ➡️ 11 pic.twitter.com/DausyytpG3
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025
It's just in shorts right now, but McCaffrey caught the eye from start to finish over minicamp based on reports from those in attendance. The hard work he put in away from the team with his All-Pro brother, Christian McCaffrey, is paying off. He was brought along gradually in Year 1. The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft wants more as a sophomore in the pros.
The Rice graduate got a lot of reps but not many targets as a rookie. McCaffrey excelled as a kick returner down the stretch, but more is needed for the wideout to kick on. He's off to a good start, even if there is a big caveat attached.
McLaurin, Gallup, and Lane will all return for camp. Brown could too, although much will depend on the results of his MRI after he was carted off the practice field on Wednesday. More competition is coming for McCaffrey, so nothing but further improvements will do.
That's the critical factor that will ultimately determine McCaffrey's role in 2025. His minicamp efforts leave reasons for encouragement. That will count for nothing if he gets lost in the shuffle when training camp gets here.
The last few days have been a confidence boost for McCaffrey. But make no mistake, what comes next will be the deciding factor regarding his status on the 53-man roster.