7 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Preseason Week 1

Ricky Stromberg - Commanders OL

Ricky Stromberg is in a tough spot just one season into his professional career. Ron Rivera spent a third-round pick on the offensive lineman to get him involved sooner rather than later. Injuries prevented that from transpiring, with the former Arkansas star turning out in just 26 offensive snaps in 2023.

That was a bitter blow to his early transition. The Washington Commanders reinforced their interior options along the offensive line in free agency. Michael Deiter was also acquired to be the backup center and versatile interior force. That's a damning indictment of how the new regime sees Stromberg's talent level and his future with the organization.

Make no mistake, Stromberg's place on the 53-man roster is in jeopardy. The player's position versatility is the only thing working in his favor right now. With such a small sample size to go off as a rookie, providing assured protection when on the field during Washington's preseason engagements is vital.

All hope is not lost with Stromberg. At the same time, general manager Adam Peters will act with supreme conviction to remove another Rivera draft pick way ahead of time if he isn't up to the required standard. That leaves him in a high-stakes situation that starts at the New York Jets this weekend.

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

Perhaps no Commanders player has done more to boost their credentials at training camp than Tyler Owens. The undrafted free agent adjusted seamlessly to the rigors of NFL life. He's been nothing short of a revelation during drills and scrimmages according to the musings of those in attendance. In terms of first impressions, it couldn't have gone much better.

Owens was buried down the safety options on Washington's first unofficial depth chart. That doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but the need to impress throughout the Commanders' preseason slate is integral.

The former Texas Tech star isn't lacking in confidence. Owens has some interesting views on the world, but his production's been top-notch up to now. Continuing this when things mean a little more will be another important phase of his development. Something that will also provide defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. with a broader indication of what he can bring to the table in 2024.

While his situation remains precarious, Owens quickly went from an afterthought into someone worth monitoring closely during Washington's warmup games. What comes next for the player is crucial before his fate is eventually sealed.