The Washington Commanders are 1-2 through three weeks of the season, and it could have been a lot worse. Injuries have played a role in their indifferent start, but clues are already forming about how things might unfold as the campaign goes on.
Snap counts so far are pretty telling. They typically vary week to week, depending on matchups and any health issues that may emerge. But it already looks like this will take a collective effort to help the Commanders mount a serious NFC East title challenge as the season progresses.
With this in mind, we examined the snap counts and other factors to see where things stand and who is truly coming to the fore.
- How the Commanders Snap Count Detective works
- The top dogs
- The essential pieces
- The key rotational pieces
- The role players
- The fading forces
- The disappearing acts
How the Commanders Snap Count Detective works
In addition to using snap counts as a base for the investigation, we also considered other elements.
Risers and fallers, along with influence on the field and favor among coaches, also came under the microscope. And there was a lot to unpack from a team that now finally has some light at the end of the tunnel. We focused on offensive and defensive snaps, rather than special teams.
Let's get to it.
Injured players have not been included.
The top dogs
Josh Conerly Jr., OT (100%)
The Commanders believed enough in Josh Conerly Jr. to take him at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He came on strong in the second half of his rookie campaign, and the Oregon product has carried that form into Year 2. He could still add some strength to his game, but his pass-protection improvements have been eye-catching through three weeks.
Nick Allegretti, OL (100%)
This is almost by default, but Nick Allegretti has played every snap this season. His first two games at center were underwhelming, and things weren't much better at right guard when filling in for Sam Cosmi. But until the Texas product returns or the Commanders find something better, the veteran will keep his place in the lineup.
Chris Paul, OL (100%)
Like Allegretti, the Commanders had no real choice but to start Chris Paul this season after Laremy Tunsil went to injured reserve. There are some issues in space, but the former Tulsa star has vice-like hands that make him hard to get around once he builds early momentum. Until Tunsil returns, Paul will remain a core part of the plan.
Amik Robertson, CB (98.87%)
There is no bigger Washington surprise through the first three games than Amik Robertson. The cornerback came into the Commanders looking to join the rotation. Instead, his lockdown performances have made him the CB1, and that might even stay the case when Trey Amos is finally cleared to resume football activities.
Sonny Styles, LB (96.05%)
The Commanders have asked a lot of Sonny Styles after injuries to Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal. He has delivered, playing almost every snap and thriving with the extra responsibilities on his shoulders. This is a testament to his mindset, elite physical gifts, and football IQ, which have enabled the No. 7 pick to hit the ground running.
Jeremy Reaves, S (94.92%)
While Jeremy Reaves' performances have been up and down so far this season, the Commanders need him on the field right now. Nick Cross is out with an internal injury, and it's hard to say when he will return. Until then, Reaves is the main man on Washington's defensive back end, providing assurance and leadership at an important time.
Terry McLaurin, WR (77.62%)
While Terry McLaurin's snap count isn't above 80 percent, he is far ahead of any other receiver. It's taken time to get going, but as in recent years, Week 3 was when the two-time Pro Bowler turned it on. The explosiveness and dynamic playmaking ability came to the fore against the Seahawks, which is a trend that must continue moving forward.
The essential pieces
Odafe Oweh, OLB (70.06%)
Big-money signing Odafe Oweh was tabbed as a situation edge rusher before he joined Washington. The Commanders are paying him to be much more, which has seen an uptick in snaps and some real progress. He looks like a dynamic three-down force, and the 2021 first-round pick is displaying the improvements needed against the run to justify Adam Peters' faith.
Stefon Diggs, WR (57.62%)
While Stefon Diggs could easily go into another category, his importance to the Commanders goes way beyond his 57.62 snap percentage. The savvy wide receiver already has several crucial catches through the first three games. He's driving his teammates forward, and bringing him into the building for an emotional homecoming already looks like a shrewd piece of business.
Javon Kinlaw, DL (58.19%)
Daronte Jones has found the formula to unlock Javon Kinlaw. While it's still early days, the interior defensive lineman is staying fresh, and operating as a 3-4 defensive end plays to his strengths. If the former South Carolina game-wrecker can keep this up for a full campaign, his doubters will be silenced for good.
K'Lavon Chaisson, OLB (69.49%)
The Commanders have asked K'Lavon Chaisson to do a lot. He's starting opposite Odafe Oweh, and aside from a few lapses in concentration, he has played well. The 2020 first-round pick is doing a lot of good work that doesn't show up on the stat sheet, but playing so much in a strong edge-rushing unit speaks to the confidence in his capabilities.
Daron Payne, DL (67.23%)
The Commanders are giving Daron Payne the chance to earn a new deal this season. He is making the most of it, becoming a stout presence against the run and displaying some explosive tendencies in obvious pass-rushing situations. If he continues to produce, Adam Peters will have a problem in 2027.
The key rotational pieces
Rasul Douglas, CB (48.59%)
Rasul Douglas' snap count might be below 50 percent right now, but it's increasing. The Commanders started him as the outside option opposite Amik Robertson to solve their secondary struggles, and it had the desired effect in Week 3. He's got the experience to make a difference, and though he may be a little slower these days, Washington can trust him.
Tim Settle Jr., DL (33.90%)
After an indifferent first game back with the Commanders, interior defensive lineman Tim Settle Jr. is starting to find his feet. Daronte Jones is using him on early running downs, and it's working. Washington has one of the league's best run defenses through three weeks, and the free-agent signing is a big reason why.
John Bates, TE (44.29%)
With Chig Okonkwo missing, John Bates' role remained unchanged. He is the team's blocking specialist at tight end, being used sparingly in the passing game. He does the job well, and at a time when the Commanders have concerns elsewhere, the established veteran is as dependable as they come.
Dorance Armstrong Jr., OLB (32.20%)
Dorance Armstrong Jr. is back after his breakout 2025 campaign was cruelly cut short by a torn ACL. The Commanders are bringing him along gradually, a luxury they have after notable offseason additions. However, the pass-rushing force will want his role to grow as the season progresses in his quest for another contract in Washington.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB (47.14%)
Most expected Jacory Croskey-Merritt to lead the backfield this season. He's still leading in running back snaps, but he's lower on this list because of ball security. The 2025 seventh-round pick is still making mistakes, and fans should monitor his inability to gain tough yards between the tackles.
Charles Omenihu, DL (59.32%)
With the Commanders boasting a much-improved defensive front, it may have been hard for Charles Omenihu to carve out a role. Instead, the veteran free-agent signing is seeing the field for almost 60 percent of snaps, thanks to his relentless effort in pass-rushing situations and his ability to be used in stunts and shifts effectively. It's been a great start and well worth the risk.
The role players
Antonio Williams, WR (42.38%)
Fans are clamoring for rookie third-round wide receiver Antonio Williams to get more involved. He's getting a good number of snaps, but until his reliability builds, the target volume just won't be there. Mistakes like his drop against the Seahawks won't help, but the former Clemson playmaker has more than enough talent to become a long-term piece of the puzzle.
Shy Tuttle, DL (31.64%)
A few eyebrows were raised when Shy Tuttle made the 53-man roster. The veteran defensive lineman's career had been nosediving since he was released by the Carolina Panthers, but he has quickly established himself as a decent rotational option who can spell Washington's starting linemen on Daronte Jones' 3-4 front.
Rachaad White, RB (45.71%)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt's inconsistencies have made Rachaad White a bigger piece on offense. His pass-catching out of the backfield remains sharp, and one could argue he's been Washington's most explosive ball-carrier so far. Hopefully, the shoulder injury isn't too serious, but signing Austin Ekeler might mean he misses some time.
Ben Sinnott, TE (47.62%)
With Chig Okonkwo out, Ben Sinnott has more time on the field. That's a positive, but chances to make an impact in the passing game have been scarce. What his situation looks like when the free-agent signing recovers from a hamstring issue is up for debate, but it's starting to look like he might never live up to his billing as a second-round selection.
Quan Martin, DB (61.58%)
The Commanders have kept faith with Quan Martin this season. They believe he still has more to offer, and Nick Cross's absence only strengthened his role. His play has been up and down, so he'll need a massive effort to improve his chances of another deal in Washington.
Joshua Josephs, OLB (19.77%)
Joshua Josephs is an intriguing player. He made a strong start over the summer and into the preseason, and his flashes in the defensive rotation should become more consistent as his career progresses. Finding ways to get the Temmessee product onto the field could be more complicated, especially after the recent arrival of Charles Snowden.
The fading forces
Mike Sainristil, CB (70.62%)
It may surprise you to see someone with more than 70 percent of snaps this low on the list, but that is far from the full story with Mike Sainristil. The cornerback is freefalling, and the Commanders restricted him to nickel duties in Week 3 after another abysmal showing against the Dallas Cowboys. Expect this trend to continue and the Michigan product's role to shrink.
Dyami Brown, WR (46.19%)
Dyami Brown has been on the field for almost half of Washington's offensive snaps. But as with Mike Sainristil, that's not the entire picture. The wide receiver hasn't had many targets, being used as a decoy while blocking effectively. That should suffice for now, but his reunion with the Commanders risks becoming a one-and-done deal.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste, OLB (12.43%)
I almost put Javontae Jean-Baptiste in the bottom tier. But with the outside linebacker a healthy scratch in Week 3, coupled with the signing of Charles Snowden, it's not hard to see why things look bleak right now. It's a shame, especially given how well he played in the preseason, but the Commanders cannot leave anything to chance.
Treylon Burks, WR (21.90%)
There is no denying wide receiver Treylon Burks' physical gifts. They have always been there, but his minimal role for the Commanders this season, including missing Week 1 as a healthy scratch, makes his situation precarious. Unless something changes or injuries strike, it's difficult to see a bigger role for the player.
The disappearing acts
Tyler Owens, S (0%)
While Tyler Owens has firmly cemented his status as one of the league's best special-teams gunners, the athletic defensive back remains an afterthought in Daronte Jones' plans. He has yet to play a defensive snap this season, which is frustrating and bemusing. However, the Commanders clearly want to keep him fresh to impact special teams for the moment.
Luke McCaffrey, WR (0%)
Luke McCaffrey's fall from grace isn't surprising. The wide receiver made the 53-man roster but wasn't needed over the first two games. He got reps on special teams in the return game against the Seahawks, which seems to be the only way he'll stick on the squad moving forward.
Matt Gulbin, OL (3.87%)
With plenty of upheaval along the offensive line this season, sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin's lack of involvement tells fans all they need to know. This is a development project until further notice, with a real need to improve technique and play strength to justify reps as he becomes more comfortable in the pros.
Kaytron Allen, RB (6.19%)
After getting some work in the first two weeks, albeit very briefly, the Commanders kept Kaytron Allen on the sidelines in Week 3. Whether this is the running back being in the doghouse for smashing into Sam Cosmi and causing a concussion is anyone's guess. But with Austin Ekeler rejoining the squad, the Penn State product could be further down the depth chart than ever.
Jaylin Lane, WR (16.19%)
Jaylin Lane is gradually being phased out of the offensive rotation. The wide receiver has some useful athletic gifts, but he is currently stuck behind some more established figures. And with Luke McCaffrey now getting more involved in the return game, the 2025 fourth-round pick is under immense pressure to stay consistent.
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