5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders joint practice vs. Dolphins
By Dean Jones
Players are running out of time to stake their respective claims to make the Washington Commanders' 53-man roster in 2024. Their joint practice against the Miami Dolphins represented exactly that. Another chance to put their wits versus legitimate opposition.
Conditions were warm as expected and the action was frantic. The Commanders emerged from the session with credit, holding their own versus a team that harbors lofty ambitions to win the AFC East and go deep into the playoff this season.
This was another important measuring stick for head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters as part of their ongoing assessments. The final cuts are coming up, so any additional information they can acquire at this juncture is a bonus. There's also the small matter of two preseason contests remaining to factor into the equation.
With this in mind, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's competitive joint practice in the Florida sunshine.
Winners and losers from Commanders' joint practice with the Dolphins
Winner No. 1
Riley Patterson - Commanders K
The Washington Commanders wanted to see what Riley Patterson could do with extended reps this week. They released struggling kicker Ramiz Ahmed, paving the way for the veteran acquired off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars to take center stage.
Judging by his performance at practice in Miami, it's something he's not planning to waste. This was Patterson's best session since joining the Commanders according to those examining his production from the sidelines. His long-range kicking - where he knocked all three of his efforts from more than 50 yards through the uprights - was especially pleasing.
This won't be enough to guarantee Patterson's starting status in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it's a positive development nonetheless. What's important for the player is building on this newfound confidence and cementing his roster spot.
Whether he can accomplish this or not is another matter. But make no mistake, Adam Peters won't hesitate to ring more changes if he believes a better option is available.