The Washington Commanders have two games left to navigate before their regular-season engagements conclude. And after how things have unfolded throughout the campaign, fans won't exactly be shedding tears when the final down is played.
Things have gone completely off the rails. The Commanders went from an NFC Championship game appearance to losing 11 games, which could become 13 if they cannot beat the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles in their final two contests.
It's been an unmitigated disaster from start to finish. Even though the injury problems haven't aided their cause, this squad wasn't as far along as fans initially thought.
That's the long and short of it, and general manager Adam Peters should be all too aware of that fact before embarking on his third — arguably, his most important — recruitment period at the helm.
Fans are demanding action. Whatever Peters attempted to accomplish this season hasn't worked. Things would look even worse if head coach Dan Quinn hadn't managed to keep the locker room together. He's made plenty of mistakes, too, so nothing but vast alterations and yet another strategy shift will do next spring.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players who are rapidly running out of time to save their jobs.
Commanders players who are running out of time to save their jobs
Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR
Deebo Samuel Sr. is a good player. The Washington Commanders did well to get the versatile wide receiver for a fifth-round pick. But considering the amount of money he will want on his next deal, things are hanging in the balance.
If Samuel were willing to accept an incentive package to stay, it's a no-brainer. That's unlikely to be the case, and a recent market projection of $20 million per season is going to be enough to make general manager Adam Peters think twice.
The Commanders have desperate needs across the board. They already have plenty of money committed to Terry McLaurin. Samuel is also on the wrong side of 30 now, and one only has to look at how Peters handled the Ohio State product's contract extension earlier this year to see how he might feel about that.
A strong finish to the campaign would boost Samuel's chances. Unfortunately, mitigating circumstances outside of his control are working against the former South Carolina standout.
With Marcus Mariota unlikely to feature, the Commanders will be rolling with either Josh Johnson or Jeff Driskel under center. That's not going to strike fear into any defense, and it only makes things more difficult for Samuel to make a good impression before a decision on his future is made.
Sheldon Day - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders had to think on their feet — not for the first time during this injury-ravaged season — when veteran interior defensive lineman Eddie Goldman went to injured reserve. But instead of relying on those who've been around the setup all season, Adam Peters opted to claim Shy Tuttle off waivers after he was sent packing by the Tennessee Titans.
This could be to add another body. Or it could be a damning indictment of the options behind the starting trio of Goldman, Daron Payne, and Javon Kinlaw.
One could point to 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton as a massive loser in this move. However, it only increases the urgency around Sheldon Day to make his presence felt when, or if, his number is called the rest of the way.
Day bounced on and off the practice squad again this season. He won't give up, but the lineman is starting to look like a lost cause in a lost year.
Drake Jackson - Commanders DE
The Commanders took a swing at Drake Jackson after his time with the San Francisco 49ers fizzled out. He looked like a promising edge rusher once upon a time. Unfortunately, injuries almost evaporated his career hopes before general manager Adam Peters gave him a lifeline.
Peters was part of the brain trust in San Francisco that spent a second-round selection on Jackson. He felt the medical assessments were satisfactory, but he was placed on injured reserve to continue his recovery. He finally got the chance to get back involved in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the USC product didn't look out of place whatsoever.
Jackson's performance was encouraging, especially after so long off the field in a regular-season environment. It's a solid foundation to build upon, and if the same trend continues over the next two games, he could secure his place in the team's plans.
Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
Noah Brown is on injured reserve again and likely done in Washington. It's a sad end to what could have been a highly productive stint with the Commanders, but it's provided those in power with the chance to give Treylon Burks an extended audition before his future is decided.
Burks joined the franchise earlier this season after he was cut by the Tennessee Titans. Injuries and expectations about his development level were too much for the wide receiver to overcome. The Commanders felt there was something left to salvage, and like Jackson, he's young enough to be considered part of the team's future if everything goes well over the next two games.
The former Arkansas playmaker has had some lovely moments so far. Burks is gradually rebuilding his confidence, and the Commanders are right to take things one step at a time. He's doing enough for another deal, so finishing strongly will leave no doubt.
Quan Martin - Commanders S
The Washington Commanders have not gotten the breakout from Quan Martin that almost everyone expected. His third campaign was projected to be his best yet. Instead, the 2023 second-round pick has become a weak link on the back end and in run support.
When the Commanders inexplicably let Jeremy Chinn leave in free agency, the franchise went to Martin as the top guy. These responsibilities have been too much to handle, which was magnified further by Will Harris suffering an injury early. If he cannot showcase some resolve over the next two games, he's in real danger of being demoted or cut loose entirely.
Martin's flashes are outstanding. His failures are constant and glaring in equal measure. The former Illinois standout also wasn't drafted by Adam Peters, who's had no trouble disposing of Ron Rivera selections since taking charge.
A massive effort is needed, but Martin may also have passed the point of no return.
Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE
The Commanders' tight end dynamic is interesting. Zach Ertz's torn ACL has opened the door for others to carve out roles for themselves. But aside from a few flashes here and there, nobody has stood out.
That's a problem. The Commanders were expecting more from 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott, who hasn't arrived as yet. John Bates is a blocking specialist and nothing more. Then, there is the curious case of Colson Yankoff to factor into the equation.
Yankof was signed as an undrafted free agent last year. A sterling effort over the summer saw him make the 53-man roster, but he was used sparingly. The same occurred this time around. Even so, he hasn't seen much involvement in the offensive rotation.
When it looked like Yankoff may get more of a look with Ertz on the shelf, he also sustained an injury. If he can't get back before the season ends, his future is hanging in the balance.
Chase Edmonds - Commanders RB
With rookie fourth-round wide receiver Jaylin Lane going to injured reserve after suffering an ankle issue against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16, coupled with recent acquisition Jamal Agnew failing his physical, it looks like Chase Edmonds is going to get an extended run as the team's kick returner over the final two games. How he performs will determine whether his NFL career continues.
Edmonds was an intriguing arrival to the Commanders earlier this season after starting running back Austin Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles. He was brought along gradually, given the correct time to find his legs again after so long away from the gridion. Since being signed to the active roster from the practice squad, he's flashed in the return game. Now, he could be Washington's top dog in this key discipline.
Nobody is expecting much from Edmonds. Anything less than a few highlight reel moments could be catastrophic for his future aspirations.