The Washington Commanders are not playing for much other than pride over their final four games of 2025. They are 3-10 on an eight-game losing run. This is all about evaluation for those in power from here on, which could see those on the fringes or boasting possible long-term upside get more chances to impress down the stretch.
It's a tricky balance for head coach Dan Quinn. He wants the Commanders to be competitive in a last-ditch attempt to salvage some respectability from the campaign. He'll also know that Washington needs to see the entire roster before embarking on a pivotal offseason. Loyalty is high on his priority list, but this cannot get in the way of progress.
And the Commanders just quietly handed an overlooked defensive back the opportunity to stake a claim at MetLife Stadium.
Commanders elevate Darius Rush for massive audition against the Giants
Washington's cornerback room is navigating some turbulence right now. Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos are on the shelf. Mike Sainristil hasn't built on a promising rookie campaign. Jonathan Jones is missing once again, and Noah Igbinoghene could be let go in 2026. Nobody else has stepped up, so the Commanders want to see if Darius Rush can provide a spark that's been sorely lacking.
The Commanders called up Rush from the practice squad in Week 15. He's got the size and length typically associated with defensive backs in Quinn's system. Although he accumulated just 39 snaps on the defensive rotation in two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and hasn't played at all this season, Washington has nothing to lose by getting him involved.
It's not like anyone else is forcing the issue. There will never be a better time to try new things, so what comes next is down to Rush. He's stayed patient, waiting for his chance to shine. If the former South Carolina standout performs well, if or when his number is called, he'll enhance his chances of sticking around beyond the season.
If not, then the Commanders have their answer. But with the team going nowhere fast, this gives Quinn the freedom to think outside the box, and Rush must have shown the right things in practice to get his long-awaited call-up.
Rush's elevation might be nothing more than a contingency plan. There is no telling for sure, but don't be surprised if the Commanders throw him into the fire at MetLife Stadium to see how he fares.
What's the worst that can happen?