Commanders inactives list for Week 1 game against Buccaneers

The Washington Commanders need everyone firing on all cylinders to improve their chances of success in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is a difficult opening test for head coach Dan Quinn's men, with the defending NFC South champions once again expected to potentially make the postseason despite the Atlanta Falcons being favored to attain the division crown in 2024.

This will be a good measuring stick for the Commanders. Quinn and his staff have a broad indication of where things stand and what more might be needed moving forward. Seeing their new-look roster in a competitive regular-season setting for the first time could raise concerns or increase positives depending on how things shake out.

Health will also be a major factor in any accomplishments the Commanders achieve in 2024. Everything's gone according to plan on the injury front aside from a couple of hiccups. Rookie linebacker Jordan Magee's outstanding summer was brought to a halt after a knee complication that sent him to injured reserve. Those in power also had to adjust their plans at the quarterback position behind rookie sensation Jayden Daniels.

The Commanders placed veteran free-agent signing Marcus Mariota on injured reserve. Jeff Driskel will back up the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft at the Buccaneers. Washington signed Sam Hartman to the active roster, which was expected considering their desire to have three quarterbacks on the squad.

This was a slight blow, but Mariota wasn't going to see any time on the field. The Commanders named Daniels as their QB1 following his exceptional offseason. His role was as a mentor to help the first-year pro prepare effectively and cope with the obvious rollercoaster coming his way.

Johnny Newton is another potential worry. The Commanders are taking things slowly with the second-round selection after an injury-ravaged first offseason with the franchise. Sheldon Day was elevated from the practice squad, which suggested this game came too soon for the Illinois product.

Who else is out for the Commanders' curtain-raiser at Raymond James Stadium?

Full inactives list for the Commanders in Week 1

• QB Sam Hartman (emergency quarterback)
• S Darrick Forrest
• G Chris Paul
• WR Noah Brown
• DT Johnny Newton
• LB Dominique Hampton

Full inactives list for the Buccaneers in Week 1

• DL Calijah Kancey
• S Kaevon Merriweather
• G Royce Newman
• OLB Jose Ramirez
• TE Devin Culp
• CB Tyrek Funderburk
• DL Logan Hall

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