4 winners (and 3 losers) from the Washington Commanders 2024 preseason
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 2
Sam Hartman - Commanders QB
The Washington Commanders gutted their quarterback room this offseason. Jayden Daniels was the great hope. Marcus Mariota came in as the dependable veteran backup. Jeff Driskel was another experienced arrival who caught the eye on occasion. There's also the small matter of Sam Hartman's predicament to factor into the equation.
Hartman joined the Commanders in undrafted free agency after getting several offers from around the league. The former Wake Forest and Notre Dame star was starting from the bottom up, but he did his chances no harm at all over camp and during Washington's first preseason contest.
Things took a quick turn for the worse where Hartman is concerned. The signal-caller suffered a shoulder injury that put him on the shelf. The Commanders didn't risk him over the final two warmup games for fear of causing long-term complications. That was a devastating blow to his hopes of earning a spot on the initial 53-man roster.
Washington could take three signal-callers through due to Mariota's injury issues. However, that's likely going to be Driskel over Hartman, who looks like a good candidate for the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Winner No. 3
Tyler Owens - Commanders S
Tyler Owens has been a revelation since joining the Commanders. Those in power saw something in the talented safety, giving him a hefty guarantee on his contract in undrafted free agency to secure his services. Based on the impression he's left so far, it already seems like money well spent.
Owens looks explosive and physically imposing in equal measure. He plays with ferocity and discipline in coverage, getting to the football quickly and making his tackles count. There's also a lot to like about his contribution on special teams, which tends to be a prerequisite for anyone looking to carve out a roster spot for themselves.
The former Texas Tech star went from a relative afterthought to almost a roster lock in just a few short weeks. That's the biggest compliment one could pay Owens, especially considering the strength in depth the Commanders have at the safety position despite letting Kamren Curl walk in free agency.
It would be a bombshell of epic proportions if Owens' name wasn't included on the 53-man roster. If the same trend continues, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will have no choice but to give him reps depending on the schematic alignment.