5 under-the-radar Commanders to watch in Preseason Week 1 at NY Jets
By Dean Jones
The wait is over.
Dan Quinn leads the Washington Commanders into their preseason opener at the New York Jets with some high stakes attached. There's a chance to build on the positive momentum generated throughout the offseason. There is also a need to right some wrongs after an indifferent performance during joint practice with Robert Saleh's men on Thursday.
Weather conditions should be more favorable at MetLife Stadium. The downpour they had to navigate over the joint session wasn't ideal, but that's football. Quinn will be looking for a response from his players in pursuit of setting the right tone for improvements during the 2024 campaign.
All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in his first NFL start. However, the onus is on those fighting for their respective roles to make a significant impact with just a few short weeks remaining until the Commanders confirm their initial 53-man roster.
With this in mind, here are five under-the-radar Commanders players to watch during their preseason curtain raiser at the Jets.
Under-the-radar Commanders players to watch in Preseason Week 1
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders have a battle to figure out for the No. 3 running back position. Chris Rodriguez Jr. looked locked in for the job heading into the offseason. However, there's a growing sense that this might not be the done deal it once appeared.
This is thanks in no small part to the performances of Jeremy McNichols over Washington's training camp. The veteran slotted in seamlessly, demonstrating outstanding on-field vision and explosiveness according to those in attendance. Rodriguez hasn't done much wrong, so this might come down to which of the two performs best during preseason.
McNichols spent time with Adam Peters on the San Francisco 49ers last season, so the general manager bringing him to Washington is notable. He's got a shot to make the roster as the third option behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. But what comes next for him and Rodriguez will ultimately decide their fate.
There's a chance the Commanders could take four running backs through. McNichols won't leave anything to chance. Expect to see some aggressive running from the player at MetLife Stadium when called upon.