Commanders initial 53-man roster prediction after 2023 preseason finale
By Dean Jones
Which players have done enough to make the Washington Commanders' initial 53-man roster after one of the most memorable offseasons in franchise history?
The preseason is mercifully at an end and with Week 1 now in everyone's sights, it's time for Ron Rivera and his staff to make some difficult choices as pertains to their initial Washington Commanders 53-man roster. What conclusions those in power make will have grave implications on their chances in 2023, with the pressure firmly on following the arrival of Josh Harris' ownership group into the franchise.
It's been fascinating to see things unfold throughout the preparation period. Some players have risen to the challenge while others have fallen by the wayside, but what's important for Rivera is finding the right mix that can help propel the Commanders out of irrelevancy this season.
That said, we made our final 53-man roster prediction after another impressive preseason triumph. However, the prospect of further additions arriving via the waiver wire cannot be dismissed either.
Commanders QBs (3)
- Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett, Jake Fromm
I debated hard about whether to go with two or three quarterbacks here. The new NFL rule coupled with Jake Fromm's impressive preseason meant it was a trio heading into the campaign.
Sam Howell is the undoubted starter and the next great hope. The Washington Commanders are placing a significant amount of faith in the former fifth-rounder to deliver and there seems to be some growing momentum around the signal-caller after a strong end to the summer.
The Commanders have a dependable backup option and mentor in Jacoby Brissett. Fromm gives them extra insurance in the event injury strikes and given how well he performed during warmup contests, those in power decide to keep him around rather than risk losing him to waivers in this scenario.