The Washington Commanders made a key set of moves today to round out their roster depth, signing 14 players to the practice squad following the leagueâs 53-man roster deadline. The list includes a balanced mix of veterans and rookies, offensive and defensive contributors, and even an international player from the NFLâs International Player Pathway program.
Practice squad signings:
QB Sam Hartman
WR JaâCorey Brooks
WR Jacoby Jones
WR Chris Moore
TE Lawrence Cager
G Tim McKay
C Michael Deiter
DT Sheldon Day
DT Ricky Barber
DE Jalyn Holmes
DE T.J. Maguranyanga
CB Carâlin Vigers
CB Antonio Hamilton Sr
S Robert McDaniel
For head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, the practice squad is more than a safety net. It represents a pipeline of players ready to step up when called upon and a crucial tool for roster flexibility during a grueling NFL season.
Commanders Retain Offensive Depth with Familiar Names
The Commanders prioritized keeping skill-position depth, particularly at wide receiver. Chris Moore and Jacoby Jones headline the group of returning wideouts. Moore brings experience and versatility, while Jones showed flashes of promise during training camp. Alongside rookie JaâCorey Brooks, the trio ensures the team has both immediate insurance and developmental upside.
Quarterback Sam Hartman also secured a practice squad spot, giving Washington another option behind starter Jayden Daniels. Hartmanâs presence allows the coaching staff to continue shaping his game in a low-pressure environment while maintaining depth at one of the most important positions in football.
Tight end Lawrence Cager and offensive linemen Tim McKay and Michael Deiter round out the offensive signings. Cager offers size and versatility, while McKay and Deiter strengthen the trenches by providing reliable backup options that can be elevated quickly if injuries strike.
Defensive Depth Bolstered with Veterans and Rookies
Washington also addressed the defensive side of the ball with a mix of experience and young talent. Veterans Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes bring proven ability to the defensive line, while Ricky Barber adds youthful upside at tackle. Edge rusher T.J. Maguranyanga joins through the International Player Pathway program, giving the Commanders an extra developmental project without taking away a roster spot.
In the secondary, Washington secured two cornerbacks in Carâlin Vigers and Antonio Hamilton Sr. Vigers is a young, physical player who impressed in camp, while Hamilton provides veteran leadership and depth. Safety Robert McDaniel completes the defensive signings, adding energy and versatility to a position that demands adaptability across multiple roles.
By balancing veterans like Hamilton and Day with rookies like Barber and Vigers, the Commanders ensure that their defense has both short-term reliability and long-term potential.
The practice squad may not grab the same headlines as the final 53-man roster, but it is vital to every teamâs success. Injuries and unexpected situations are inevitable, and the Commanders now have 14 players ready to step in and contribute if needed.
For Quinn and Peters, the strategy is clear. By blending veteran leadership with emerging talent, the Commanders have built a group that can support the active roster while continuing to develop for the future. As the 2025 season unfolds, these practice squad players may prove just as critical to Washingtonâs success as those on the main roster.
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