7 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Preseason Week 2 at Dolphins
By Dean Jones
The Washington Commanders continue their preparations for the 2024 with a second preseason outing at the Miami Dolphins. Dan Quinn's men emerged with credit from their joint practice in the Florida sunshine. This should provide additional confidence for those taking the field on Saturday night.
It's unlikely that established figures such as Jonathan Allen and Bobby Wagner will feature. They don't need the reps and their roster status is secure. This game represents another chance for those further down the depth chart to impose themselves once some projected starters play a series or two.
Players on the fringes are running out of time. Final cuts are on the immediate horizon, so it's a fine margins situation for many with pressure mounting. How they perform with the spotlight glaring will play a significant role in the team's overall assessments before their fates are sealed one way or another.
For some, the heat is ramping up. With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players on the hot seat entering Preseason Week 2 at the Dolphins.
Commanders players on the hot seat entering Preseason Week 2
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders are making everyone earn their spots. Nothing will be given under the new regime. This is especially evident in the running back room, where there is an interesting battle taking place for the No. 3 spot behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. seemed nailed-on to secure the position after demonstrating promise as a rookie. That's not set in stone, with the likes of Jeremy McNichols and Michael Wiley pushing the former sixth-round selection every step of the way.
Rodriguez gained no positive yards on six carries in Preseason Week 1 as Wiley and McNichols combined for 44 rushing yards off 11 combined touches. This raises the stakes to maximize every opportunity that comes his way at the Miami Dolphins.
The Kentucky product's status is hanging by a thread. Unless his performance levels match the increased expectancy across the franchise, Rodriguez might not make it when push comes to shove.