3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders 2024 training camp Week 2
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 2
Braeden Daniels - Commanders OL
There have been a few injury worries along the Washington Commanders offensive line over the second week of training camp. This isn't enough to press the panic button just yet. Dan Quinn is seeing this as an opportunity to look at those further down the pecking order fighting for spots on the 53-man roster.
Sam Cosmi was kept out as a precaution on Day 9 but his issue isn't seen as serious. Andrew Wylie is drifting in and out after lingering tightness. Veteran backup offensive tackle Alex Akingbulu needed help to get off the field and was carted to the locker room. His status is unclear, but what followed immediately after was another damning indictment on how the coaching staff sees Braeden Daniels' role in 2024.
Instead of the Commanders giving Daniels reps at the offensive tackle positions - somewhere he played in college at Utah - they went with Mason Brooks instead. He was an undrafted free agent last year rather than being a fourth-round pick.
This is the latest in a series of immense disappointments since Daniels came into the Commanders. He's been spending all of his time on the interior at training camp according to those in attendance. Deploying him on the edge isn't something those in power are considering despite his previous experience. Carving out a new path will be challenging.
Daniels didn't look well suited to the NFL last summer before mercifully going to season-ending injured reserve. He's already playing catch up considering the momentum others are building. There's still time to turn things around, even if the task is becoming more difficult with every practice.
The Commanders will give Daniels plenty of work during the preseason. He needs live reps for everyone to get a broader perception of his talent level. Things aren't looking good right now, which only raises the stakes when his number's called over Washington's warmup games.
Looking at how things stand, it would be surprising if Daniels made the roster. There's just too much going against him.