Commanders inactives list for Week 3 game against Bengals

The Washington Commanders are looking to make the NFL world sit up and take notice with the primetime audience watching intently. Gaining victory at the Cincinnati Bengals would represent a major statement of intent - one that would indicate things are trending in a positive direction under new head coach Dan Quinn and his accomplished coaching staff.

Washington is the biggest underdog of Week 3 according to sportsbooks. There were a few surprises throughout the league as teams continued to work out their respective kinks. The Bengals are a good squad, but they're coming off two straight defeats to begin the campaign and might be feeling the pressure to get their season on track.

This is something the Commanders can take advantage of despite having plenty of problems to iron out. They don't look well matched defensively versus the Bengals' high-octane offense led by star quarterback Joe Burrow. Washington might need to turn it into a shootout to stand any chance of keeping things close.

That puts the onus squarely on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft has done well within a controlled offense through two games. Kliff Kingsbury's been ultra-cautious about piling too much pressure on the young signal-caller. This could be the time to open things up with the bright lights of Monday Night Football beckoning.

Washington will be without its sack leader for the clash, which isn't ideal. Clelin Ferrell suffered a knee injury that didn't get better in time to make the trip. Things look more promising for rookie second-rounder Johnny Newton, who could be getting an increased workload based on Quinn's comments to the media.

There's another potential stumbling block facing the Commanders. The Bengals are finally ready to get stud wide receiver Tee Higgins back involved to resume his productive partnership with Ja'Marr Chase. Considering the problems suffered by Washington's secondary, this could be a major problem if the pass-rush cannot make Burrow uncomfortable.

It's all hands to the pump for Washington. Whether that'll be enough to counteract the significant firepower at the Bengals' disposal is another matter.

Full inactives list for the Commanders in Week 3

• CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
• QB Sam Hartman (Emergency QB)
• S Darrick Forrest
• TE Colson Yankoff
• LB Dominique Hampton
• OL Chris Paul
• DE Clelin Ferrell

Full inactives list for the Bengals in Week 3

A list of inactive Bengals players will be published here when available.

• WR Trenton Irwin
• OL Jaxson Kirkland
• TE Tanner McLachlan
• TE Tanner Hudson
• DT B.J. Hill
• DT Sheldon Rankins

More Commanders news and analysis