7 Commanders whose stock is plummeting ahead of Preseason Week 2

Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR

Dan Quinn recently stated there is an ongoing competition in the wide receiver room. This was the reported reason why the Washington Commanders allocated so many snaps to Jahan Dotson during their preseason curtain-raiser at the New York Jets.

It's the clearest sign that the coaching staff is unsure about what they have in Dotson right now. The former first-round pick has the explosiveness and overall talent to become a legitimate force in the passing game. That hasn't happened with enough frequency up to now. There's also a growing sense that his status as No. 2 on the wideout depth chart is in jeopardy.

Dotson's been making plays throughout training camp and is developing a nice rapport with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. His production versus the Jets was a step back, but it's also worth remembering that this was a warmup contest rather than a regular-season fixture.

It'll be interesting to watch the wideout dynamic unfold over the next fortnight before Washington's final cuts. It's highly unlikely the Commanders don't include Dotson on their 53-man roster. But he could have a fight on his hands for extended involvement all things considered.

Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DL

Much like Dotson, Phidarian Mathis got a lot of preseason reps late into Washington's opener at the Jets. This was experience the defensive lineman desperately needed after an injury-ravaged first two seasons in the league. It's also a clear sign his roster fortunes are hanging precariously.

Mathis might be a former second-round selection from one of college football's most prestigious programs, but that doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things. Certainly not to general manager Adam Peters, who's already parted ways with several draft picks from the Ron Rivera era and won't hesitate to cut more loose if they aren't up to the required standard.

Johnny Newton's injury issues mean Mathis should get another chance to stake a strong claim in Preseason Week 2 at the Miami Dolphins. Releasing the Alabama product is a big call considering the physical attributes at his disposal. However, the urgency to put this all together in pursuit of improved production is glaring.

What comes next is down to Mathis. The Commanders will be watching his progress closely over the next two weeks before deciding on his status. If they aren't 100 percent convinced, Peters could either trade the lineman or release him entirely.

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