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.
Winner No. 2
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
Jeremy Chinn is relishing the prospect of starting fresh in a different environment. The versatile defensive weapon's once-promising career with the Carolina Panthers fizzled out due to injuries and scheme fit. He believes the Washington Commanders represent the best destination to galvanize his fortunes. Based on early impressions, this looks like a match made in heaven.
Chinn is starting to assert his dominance. He's benefitting greatly from a scheme that suits his strengths. Dan Quinn's got the former second-round selection humming quickly - something that was once again evident during the team's joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
The Southern Illinois product came up with an eye-catching pass breakup and hardly put a foot wrong anchoring the backend according to those watching the session. Any doubts some fans might have had about this signing should be long gone, replaced by optimism that this could be something more than a short-term arrangement.
There's added motivation and urgency where Chinn is concerned. He wants to silence his doubters and return to the form that saw him take the NFL by storm as a rookie. That's a tough ask, but he's off to a tremendous start.
Loser No. 1
Bo Bauer - Commanders LB
Bo Bauer's chances of making the 53-man roster were remote. The undrafted free-agent linebacker got an opportunity to showcase his credentials and has done well to make it this far into training camp. However, he suffered the worst luck imaginable at the wrong time.
Bauer's joint practice versus the Dolphins came screeching to an abrupt halt over the opening exchanges. The second-level presence went down and looked visibly frustrated, punching the field and getting carted away from the session for further examination.
This is a body blow to Bauer's slim hopes of making the squad. Much will depend on the complication's severity, but a situation could emerge where the Commanders waive him with an injury settlement if the issue is something long term.
That sounds harsh, but it's the nature of the business. Hopefully, it's nothing too serious and Bauer can at least finish the offseason program. But the NFL isn't always that kind.
Winner No. 3
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Those fortunate enough to attend were denied a mouth-watering battle between Terry McLaurin and Jalen Ramsey after the Miami Dolphins didn't risk the All-Pro cornerback. That didn't stop the prolific wide receiver from cementing his already-proven status as a core component to any success in 2024 and beyond.
McLaurin's developing chemistry with Jayden Daniels continues to encourage. The former Ohio State stud caught two touchdowns during red-zone drills and looked sharp out of his route stems. This is something the Washington Commanders will be relying upon early and often throughout the campaign.
Nobody expects anything less from McLaurin. He's a proven performer and a team alpha. Even going up against an old friend in Kendall Fuller - who joined the Dolphins in free agency - didn't stop him from adopting a business-first mindset to great effect.
Daniels is extremely fortunate to have such a weapon in Year 1 of his NFL journey. This relationship will be crucial to Washington's hopes of surprising people in 2024. It's so far, so good.
Winner No. 4
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Mike Sainristil is gaining significant momentum. Not exactly breaking news for those who've followed his progress closely since the Commanders took him at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but his seamless transition is starting to gain wider notoriety.
Sainristil showed he belonged among NFL-caliber performers in Washington's joint practice with the Miami Dolphins. He wasn't overawed despite having to cover some electrifying wide receivers at Mike McDaniel's disposal. The former Michigan star even came up with a solid pass defense when up against All-Pro pass-catcher Tyreek Hill according to those in attendance.
This was another feather in Sainristil's cap. The defensive back is displaying exceptional maturity for someone so inexperienced at the pro level. He's not backing down an inch no matter the challenges placed in front of him. Expectations are through the roof as a result.
The Commanders have complete confidence in Sainristil and did so from the moment they began their pre-draft assessments of the player. Looking at his current trajectory, it's not hard to see why.
Loser No. 2
Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR
This had more to do with what transpired before practice than during.
Head coach Dan Quinn left no doubt that Jahan Dotson's spot as the No. 2 wide receiver option was under threat. He admitted this was an ongoing competition for the WR2 role and openly praised free-agent signing Olamide Zaccheaus at length. This laid down the gauntlet to others in no uncertain terms.
Dotson seems eager to take on the challenge, although he's more interested in self-improvement rather than anything out of his control. This is the right attitude to take, but it does nothing to detract from the urgent situation he now finds himself in Year 3 of his once-promising career.
The Commanders' new regime has no emotional attachment to Dotson or any other draft pick from the Ron Rivera era. If they feel like the Penn State product isn't performing to the required standard, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of a more reduced - yet still important - role within Kliff Kingsbury's scheme.
A big effort is needed. Dotson's got the talent. He's proven that on countless occasions. Becoming more consistent is key.
Winner No. 5
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
This was another obstacle on Jayden Daniels' road to rookie stardom. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft tackled it with his customary composure and natural poise en route to another impressive practice versus genuine competition.
Daniels threw a couple of picks over the joint practice. One came from a ball that should have been caught. The other arrived following a slip from Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Aside from that, there was very little of fault. Something that raised expectations further heading into his first year in a professional environment.
The former LSU standout was ruthless during the red-zone portion of practice. Daniels went through his progressions efficiently and made the right reads to secure five touchdowns, torching the Miami Dolphins' defense along the way based on the musings of those in attendance.
Former Commanders' cornerback Kendal Fuller was full of praise for Daniels after practice. This was a sentiment echoed by Miami beat writers who were watching the signal-caller for the first time. There's a long way to go, but this could be the franchise quarterback Washington has craved for decades.