7 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Preseason Week 2 at Dolphins

Michael Deiter - Commanders OL

The Washington Commanders' lack of depth along the offensive line remains a potential complication. This is a constant assessment and new general manager Adam Peters won't hesitate to ring more changes if he feels more is needed to hit the ground running in 2024. That seems like the likely scenario based on how things have unfolded over the last fortnight.

Michael Deiter is the primary backup at center and guard after joining the Commanders in free agency. The interior presence made a good early impression, but things tailed off significantly during Washington's first preseason contest at the New York Jets. This cast doubt where once there was nothing but positivity.

Deiter needs a big performance in Preseason Week 2 at the Miami Dolphins. The Commanders can ill afford their most experienced backup option falling by the wayside at this late stage of their regular-season preparations. He needs to make a swift return to the assured communication and consistency fans witnessed previously.

The veteran knows how to bounce back from adversity. Deiter is a strong character and an accomplished performer. It's time for him to remind everyone of that fact this weekend.

Tariq Castro-Fields - Commanders CB

The fact rookie Mike Sainristil looks like the most dependable cornerback heading into the campaign is concerning. Benjamin St-Juste and Michael Davis look like solid contributors. The jury is still out on Emmanuel Forbes Jr., although the former first-round pick did show signs of life during the Washington Commanders' joint practice against the Miami Dolphins to show all hope isn't lost just yet.

Tariq Castro-Fields will be a name to watch in Preseason Week 2. The athletic cornerback came to life over training camp and even got some reps with the starting unit as a reward. He bolstered this further with a pass breakup at the New England Patriots, but the hard work is just getting started.

The Penn State product needs to prove capable of being consistent. Castro-Fields has the size and physical scope needed to become impactful within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme. He's also a decent contributor on special teams, which should ensure his status on the 53-man roster when push comes to shove.

Castro-Fields will be harboring bigger ambitions than that. He'll know that strength in depth isn't great in the cornerback room. Opportunity knocks for the defensive back with another eye-catching showing at Hard Rock Stadium.