4 Commanders players whose jobs are in jeopardy heading into 2023 preseason finale
By Dean Jones
Rachad Wildgoose - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders gave their rotational cornerbacks a chance to prove their worth on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Benjamin St-Juste and Kendall Fuller sat out the contest, so this was an important part of the coaching staff's evaluations for those further down the pecking order.
There was a lot to like from many.
But for Rachad Wildgoose, it was an evening to forget.
Wildgoose specializes as a slot option. Instead, the Commanders put him on the outside almost on an island, which brought the expected results from a player that saw his stock crash along the way.
Giving up 70 receiving yards and a touchdown during a potentially critical stage of the contest on consecutive plays wasn't the best look from Wildgoose. Whether the Commanders set him up to fail is debatable, but it proves beyond all doubt he cannot be relied upon to fill outside responsibilities if an injury or two occurs during the season.
This was a blow to Wildgoose's chances of prominent involvement on the defensive rotation. But with others stepping up and the two defensive backs brought in during the 2023 NFL Draft, his place on the 53-man roster is far from guaranteed.
Bouncing back against the Cincinnati Bengals would be a good place to start. Anything less would see the Commanders facing a tough decision despite Wildgoose showing promise when called upon during the previous campaign.