Washington Commanders News

NFC EAST

Zach Ertz • TE • Commanders

Zach Ertz's Productivity Threatened by ACL Tear

Washington Commanders impending free agent tight end Zach Ertz (knee) may be 36 years old, but he has continued to be a productive pass-catching weapon on the offensive side of the ball. Ertz had 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns across 13 games, ranking as the overall TE19 in PPR leagues. He has 11 touchdowns over the last two seasons, averaging 10.1 fantasy points per game during that span. His final stat line from 2025 is even more impressive when you remember the quarterback situation he was dealt. Jayden Daniels missed plenty of time due to injury, so Ertz found himself catching passes from Marcus Mariota. He was shut down for the season by the time Josh Johnson earned any quarterback snaps, though. Ertz tore his ACL in Week 14, leaving plenty of question marks about his availability for 2026. Furthermore, he's a free agent this offseason, so we don't even know if he'll end up back in Washington. It's quite possible that a team with an established, young No. 1 tight end signs Ertz, allowing him to recover before filling a depth role. That'd be a rough scenario for fantasy managers, so selling high on him in dynasty leagues might be the right choice this offseason.

Yesterday

Terry McLaurin • WR • Commanders

Commanders Want Terry McLaurin to Get 10 Targets a Game

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough said that he wants wide receiver Terry McLaurin to get at least 10 targets per game. "This thing's going to be built around how do we get Terry 10 targets a game and get him explosive receptions after explosive receptions to kind of flip the field," Blough told WUSA9's John Doran. That's an aggressive goal to set, especially when stated publicly. McLaurin averaged just six targets per game in 2025, albeit with an inconsistent quarterback mix of Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Josh Johnson. Furthermore, he posted double-digit targets just once: in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, with Mariota as his quarterback. Daniels is due back from an elbow injury in time for the 2026 season opener, which is a good sign for McLaurin's volume. The 30-year-old receiver averaged 11.4 full-PPR points per game last season and should rank as a mid-to-high WR2 ahead of 2026 fantasy football drafts.

5 days ago

Deebo Samuel Sr. • WR • Commanders

Deebo Samuel Sr. Hits Free Agency After a Decent Season

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. continued to deliver decent contributions in the passing game last season, which was his first with the team. He finished the year with 72 catches, 727 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns, his highest marks in those categories since 2021. He also rushed for 75 yards and an additional touchdown on the ground. Although it was a good but not great year by Samuel's standards, he still finished as the overall WR25 in full-PPR leagues, cementing himself as a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3/flex on a weekly basis. Samuel restructured his contract with the Commanders to become a free agent this offseason, so he'll hit the open market in March. A return to Washington seems possible, but he'll presumably explore all of his options before putting pen to paper. Samuel fits best on a team with an established No. 1 wide receiver, so that he can operate as the No. 2 receiver with contributions as a gadget-type player behind the line of scrimmage or in the short-to-medium passing game. His 2026 fantasy outlook will depend on his landing spot and his eventual quarterback pairing, but for now, we'd expect him to remain a top-30 fantasy receiver.

6 days ago

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels' Long-Term Durability is in Question After Injury-Marred 2025

After an electric rookie season in 2024 that saw him lead his team to the NFC Championship Game, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels battled through a miserable follow-up campaign in 2025. The 25-year-old suffered a knee injury in Week 2, a hamstring injury in Week 7, a dislocated elbow in Week 9, and finally a season-ending re-aggravation of the elbow injury in Week 14. Overall, Daniels was limited to just seven games played and completed 60.6% of his pass attempts for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for 278 yards and two scores on 58 attempts. In addition to the reduced volume, Daniels' efficiency as both a passer and a rusher also suffered. After averaging 7.4 yards per pass attempt and 6.0 yards per rush attempt in 2024, Daniels averaged 6.7 yards per pass attempt and 4.8 yards per rush attempt in 2025. In 2026, former Commanders' assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough will take over for Kliff Kingsbury as Washington's offensive play-caller, throwing some uncertainty into the offensive environment around Daniels. Daniels high-end dual-threat potential means he still carries elite fantasy upside in dynasty formats, but he will have to prove he can stay healthy in 2026.

7 days ago

Austin Ekeler • RB • Commanders

How Much is Left in the Tank for Austin Ekeler?

Pending free agent running back Austin Ekeler signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season, but has struggled with injuries since. The 30-year-old back managed fewer than 70 offensive snaps in 2025 before a devastating Achilles injury ended his season in Week 2. While his touchdown numbers have dropped precipitously from his fantasy glory days with the Chargers, he continued to prove himself a valuable part of the Commanders' passing game. With almost a full year of recovery before the start of the 2026 season and a work ethic second to none, it should come as no surprise if he signs a minimal short-term deal when free agency opens in March, potentially carving out a dedicated third-down role. While his RB1 days are clearly behind him, he could represent a next-to-nothing dynasty buy with the occasional spike week still in his future.

Feb 10

Ben Sinnott • TE • Commanders

Ben Sinnott's Role Could Change in 2026

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott's role could change in 2026 with new offensive coordinator David Blough calling plays, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports. "It seemed pretty clear that Kliff didn't see him as a long-term piece of the offense, just because he didn't get many looks," The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala said. Sinnott only had 11 catches on 13 targets for 114 yards and one touchdown in 16 games for the Commanders in 2025 in his second year in the NFL, even though Ertz missed four games after tearing his ACL. Ertz probably won't be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign and is also a free agent, so Sinnott's role could grow significantly in Washington's offense in his third year in the league. That could change, depending on who the team adds via the draft and free agency in the offseason, but as of right now, Sinnott could be a TE sleeper to monitor.

Feb 10

Terry McLaurin • WR • Commanders

Can Terry McLaurin Bounce Back From Career-Worst Season?

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin signed a three-year, $96 million contract just before the start of the 2025 season and then had the worst season of his career in his seventh year in the NFL. McLaurin missed valuable time with injuries and played in a career-low 10 games, catching 38 of his 60 targets for 582 yards and three touchdowns. It broke a string of five straight 1,000-yard seasons from McLaurin, who was a third-round pick by Washington in 2019 out of Ohio State. It was indeed a scary year for McLaurin's fantasy managers. The 30-year-old veteran never had a 100-yard performance. It didn't help that starting quarterback Jayden Daniels only started seven games due to various injuries. With better health, McLaurin should be able to bounce back in 2026, but you shouldn't consider him a lock to return to 1,000 yards with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury no longer around.

Jan 29

Jacory Croskey-Merritt • RB • Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt's 2026 Role Uncertain After Up-And-Down Rookie Season

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a fantasy darling during draft season last fall when the team's RB picture was unsettled. His fantasy stock rose even further after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending injury early in the year. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder ended up leading the team in carries (175), rushing yards (805), and rushing touchdowns (eight), but he was the RB29 in half-PPR scoring, and he averaged just 8.2 half-PPR points per game in his 17 contests. It didn't help JCM's cause that starting quarterback Jayden Daniels missed most of the season with various injuries. Croskey-Merritt had two 100-yard games in his rookie season, but he also failed to eclipse 50 rushing yards in a game 12 times. The Commanders will have a new offensive coordinator in 2026, and it's hard to say how they'll attack the RB position in free agency and the draft. Croskey-Merritt will have a role next year, but there's a good chance he'll be more of a committee back than a workhorse.

Jan 27

Roman Hemby • RB • Commanders

Roman Hemby's Stock Rising After Productive Final Season

Indiana running back Roman Hemby was likely considered an undrafted free agent NFL prospect following four years at Maryland, but his performance in his final season with the College Football Playoff National Champion Indiana Hoosiers could propel him into being a Day 3 pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft. After compiling 3,268 total yards and 27 touchdowns in 42 games with the Terps, Hemby led the Indiana running backs in attempts (230), rushing yards (1,120), receptions (17), and receiving yards (165). While Fernando Mendoza and the passing attack rightfully got a ton of shine, Hemby was an unsung hero of the offense and ran hard throughout the College Football Playoff. Hemby is an explosive runner with good vision, but his lack of size will likely keep him in a complementary back role in the NFL.

Jan 27

David Blough • QB • Commanders

David Blough Taking Over as Commanders Offensive Coordinator

The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala reports that former NFL quarterback David Blough is taking over as the Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator. Blough was a practice-squad QB for the Detroit Lions just two years ago, but he quickly transitioned to coaching as Washington's assistant quarterbacks coach and helped fill in when QBs coach Tavita Pritchard left for Stanford. Blough is a quick riser and a bright offensive talent, but he'll have big shoes to fill in his new role in D.C. after Kliff Kingsbury mutually agreed to part ways with the organization to pursue another head-coaching job. He has worked closely with young QB Jayden Daniels and will need to continue to develop his relationship with him as Daniels heads into his third NFL season. During his playing career, Blough played for Kingsbury, Bears head coach Ben Johnson, and Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Jan 10

Marshon Lattimore • CB • Commanders

Marshon Lattimore Arrested on Multiple Charges

Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore was arrested on Wednesday night in Lakewood, Ohio, on charges of carrying concealed weapons and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, according to police. "We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We are in communication with the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time," the Commanders said in a statement. The 29-year-old defensive back suffered a season-ending ACL injury in November of 2025 and played in only nine games for the Commanders this year as a result. The four-time Pro Bowler won Defensive Rookie of the Year back in 2017 with the New Orleans Saints after he was taken 11th overall that year out of Ohio State. Lattimore could be facing a short suspension for his actions to begin the 2026 campaign.

Jan 8

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels Disappointed by Departure of Kliff Kingsbury

Key Washington Commanders offensive players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, are disappointed with the team's decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Daniels vouched for Kingsbury during his season-ending press conference on Monday and was among those "blindsided by the move." Commanders players figured the only way Kingsbury would leave is if he got a head-coaching job, and that's what he's seeking to do this offseason. The 25-year-old Daniels was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 under Kingsbury, throwing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while also rushing for 891 yards and six more TDs in 17 regular-season games. While Washington's offense was still efficient in 2025, Daniels' season was a disappointment after playing in only seven games due to injuries. His fantasy stock is now trending down because of his injuries and the fact that he'll be learning a new offense heading into Year 3.

Jan 6

Treylon Burks • WR • Commanders

Treylon Burks to Play Through Illness, Not Recommended in Fantasy Lineups

Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks (illness) was able to practice in full on Friday and was removed from the Week 18 injury report. Burks will play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles figure to be resting key starters on both sides of the ball with a playoff spot already locked up, but that still won't be enough to make Burks a fantasy recommendation for Week 18 lineups. Quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) will miss a second straight game due to multiple injuries, leaving journeyman signal-caller Josh Johnson to run the offense in just his second start all year. In last week's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Burks caught just one of two targets from Johnson for 11 yards. There should be much better receiving options for fantasy managers still competing for a title.

Jan 3

Josh Johnson • QB • Commanders

Josh Johnson to Start in Regular-Season Finale

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn officially named Josh Johnson as the team's starting quarterback for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Veteran Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) will miss a second straight game to close out the year. Even though the Eagles will be resting key starters this weekend, Johnson will be hard-pressed to help fantasy managers without left tackle Laremy Tunsil (oblique) available. The 39-year-old signal-caller made his first start of the year in last week's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys and went 15-for-23 passing for 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Even in two-QB leagues this weekend, fantasy managers should have better options to choose from than Johnson.

Jan 2

Marcus Mariota • QB • Commanders

Marcus Mariota Won't Play Against Eagles

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was a stretch to make it back to play in the final game of the year after injuring his hand in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. The 32-year-old veteran was held out of the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 and will now miss a second straight game to end the year. Journeyman QB Josh Johnson will make a second straight start for the Commanders. Mariota ended up playing in 11 games (eight starts) this year while filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels, and he held his own, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added 297 yards on the ground and a TD.

Jan 2

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Facing Reduced Role in Washington?

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been a productive player across 12 games this season, recording 435 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries. However, the 25-year-old has been in-and-out of his team's lineup in recent weeks, missing Week 15 with a groin injury and Week 17 with an illness. In his absence, Rodriguez Jr. may have had his role in the Washington backfield usurped by rookie back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Over the last three weeks, Croskey-Merritt has racked up 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries. Rodriguez Jr. is expected to return for Washington's Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he'll likely still see some touches. However, the Commanders may opt to split touches between Rodriguez Jr. and Croskey-Merritt evenly, or ride the hot hand with the rookie.

Jan 2

Jacory Croskey-Merritt • RB • Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Returns to Full Practice

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (illness) was able to practice in full on Thursday after he was held out due to illness on Wednesday. Croskey-Merritt had his second 100-yard game and two rushing touchdowns in last week's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. out due to illness. Rodriguez is back in the fold for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this weekend, though, so fantasy managers will want to lower expectations for Croskey-Merritt in the final game of his rookie season. The 24-year-old JCM could be Washington's lead back against the Eagles, but Rodriguez's presence will definitely cap the rookie's upside this weekend.

Jan 1

Jaylin Lane • WR • Commanders

Jaylin Lane Finishing Up-and-Down Rookie Season on Injured Reserve

Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane (ankle) was placed on Injured Reserve ahead of his team's Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, ending his 2025 season. A fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, Lane flashed upside for brief stretches of his first NFL season but was ultimately unable to carve out a consistent role in the Washington offense when the team had top wideouts Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. healthy. Lane will finish the year with 16 catches for 225 yards on 32 targets across 15 games played. He did not record a reception over his final four games of 2025 and was targeted just four times across his final seven outings. Projecting forward to 2026, Lane profiles as a downfield threat whose ability to provide consistent fantasy production in Washington remains unclear.

Dec 31

Marcus Mariota • QB • Commanders

Marcus Mariota Is a Shaky Play in Week 18

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota doesn't look like he'll be a great option for streaming at quarterback for his team's season finale. Coach Dan Quinn said Mariota did not participate in the team's walkthrough on Monday and is "still a stretch" to play in Week 18 against the Eagles. Quinn did still say there was hope the 32-year-old veteran would be able to play, but even if he does, it's a tough matchup for him against the strong Eagles defense, which will still be playing for playoff seeding. Mariota has played 11 games this season, throwing 10 touchdowns to go with seven interceptions and running for a score as well. Even if he recovers in time, he will be a high-risk play against Philly, so there are most likely better options available from your waiver wire. If Mariota is out, Josh Johnson will likely start once again, and he is not a great fantasy option either.

Dec 30

Tyler Biadasz • C • Commanders

Tyler Biadasz Unlikely to Play in Week 18

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that center Tyler Biadasz (ankle, knee) doesn't need surgery for his injuries, but he's unlikely to play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. In addition to Biadasz, quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) is expected to miss a second straight game to close out the year. It means that Nick Allegretti will most likely be snapping footballs to journeyman QB Josh Johnson to close out the season against an Eagles team that could be resting most of their starters this weekend. The 28-year-old Biadasz suffered ankle and knee injuries in last Thursday's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Dec 29

Washington Commanders News

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