Which Washington Commanders players find themselves fighting for their futures during the team's preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals?
Things are looking up for the Washington Commanders both on and off the field. Josh Harris' ownership group is making some positive changes despite the limited timeframe before the 2023 season commences and although it's still the preseason, everything seems to be going according to plan on the football side of things aside from a couple of key injuries that warrant concern.
Looking at the grand scheme of things, most roster positions are locked up. Ron Rivera will look to solve his remaining riddles this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals by resting most of his starters and giving those on the fringes a chance to shine.
This represents one final chance for some to prove their worth. Even if certain individuals don't make the 53-man roster, they can enhance their claims of getting picked up by another team or securing a place on the practice squad once they clear waivers.
With this in mind, here are four Commanders players whose jobs are in jeopardy during Saturday's warmup game at FedEx Field.
Trent Scott - Commanders OL
Things improved across the Washington Commanders' offensive line during their preseason triumph against the Baltimore Ravens. It's far from perfect just yet, but cohesion seems to be building within the starting unit as they look to avoid becoming the weak link once again in 2023.
The starting five seems solid aside from the questions at left guard. There are also some young studs occupying reserve positions that could develop into something more, which might leave the likes of Trent Scott on the outside looking in when the time for final cuts arrives.
Scott was a free-agent acquisition that has the position versatility Ron Rivera normally looks for in his offensive linemen. However, it does look like he is fighting a losing battle to make the 53-man roster as things stand.
Curtis Hodges - Commanders TE
Losing Logan Thomas due to injury was disappointing but not a complete disaster at this juncture. The veteran tight end returned to the practice field on Wednesday as he looks to take the field in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, but the Washington Commanders are right to proceed with extreme caution to avoid any unnecessary flare-ups regarding his calf issue.
If Thomas cannot go, then confidence is growing around others also looking for their share of involvement within Eric Bieniemy's tight-end friendly scheme. Cole Turner looks like a potential breakout candidate heading into his sophomore campaign, with John Bates also demonstrating some decent improvements after being initially perceived as a blocking specialist.
The same cannot be said of Curtis Hodges. His production has been underwhelming at best despite the outstanding athletic attributes at his disposal - something that was further reflected during Washington's eye-catching win to break the Baltimore Ravens' preseason streak.
Hodges brought in just one reception from three targets for seven receiving yards on Monday Night Football. He is clearly the No. 4 option and could even fall to No. 5 depending on how the Commanders plan to utilize designated full-back Alex Armah.
There is one final opportunity for Hodges to convince those in power he's worthy of sticking around. He is raw, but one could make a strong case for the player to get picked up elsewhere given his physical profile if the Commanders opt to go in a different direction.
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.
William Bradley-King - Commanders DE
The Washington Commanders have an embarrassment of riches on their defensive line. This group is talented and deep, which means some tough cuts are coming for Ron Rivera heading into Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Much like the situation with Washington's offensive line, this could be a numbers game when it's all said and done. Considering how well the likes of Andre Jones Jr. and K.J. Henry have evolved since joining the Commanders late in the 2023 NFL Draft, it might leave William Bradley-King as the odd man out.
Bradley-King did well when on the field on Monday night en route to two tackles. He's not without a chance of making the 53-man roster, but others are clearly preferred. Especially considering the way Efe Obada, Casey Toohill, and James Smith-Williams have caught the eye since preseason games began.
The former seventh-round selection out of Baylor has some intriguing physical traits. However, there's only room for so many and unless Bradley-King is truly dominant versus the Cincinnati Bengals, it's hard to envisage a scenario where he's kept around.
That might be a blow initially for Bradley-King, but all hope wouldn't be lost. Another team might like what they see and offer the defensive end a roster spot and the Commanders would love to have him back on their practice squad if he clears waivers.