When the Washington Commanders take the field tonight in Foxborough against the New England Patriots, it wonât just be another preseason opener; it will be a golden audition.
With many veteran starters expected to rest, young players will have the spotlight to showcase why they deserve a roster spot or even a chance to make their case as a regular contributor or even starter. NFL Insider Lake Lewis Jr., who has been covering the teamâs training camp and joint practice, says this is exactly the type of game that can create buzz and excitement and elevate young players’ careers.
Opportunity to Fortify Roles and Climb Dept Chart
Two talked-about names in camp, running backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Demetric Felton, have at times stood out with their speed, burst, and versatility. Both have turned heads in drills and performed well in Tuesday’s joint practice with the Patriots. The young backs are trying to show they belong as change-of-pace backs behind veterans Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Against New England, theyâll have a chance to prove they can handle live game situations and keep the offense moving.
Wide receiver JaâCorey Brooks is another young player to watch. The rookie has steadily built chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels and made several contested catches in practice. His combination of size, athleticism, and strong hands gives the Commanders a different look in the passing game. With the depth chart still unsettled behind top targets Terry McLaurin (Camp Holdout) and Deebo Samuel, Brooks has a real chance to vie for the final receiver spot if the team more than likely keeps six wideouts. He’s a lock to be added to the practice squad, but with a few big plays in preseason outings, he could alter that thought.
A rookie receiver who has had a solid training camp is former Virginia Tech wideout Jaylin Lane. He has been one of the team’s best receivers, so his workload may not be a lot against the Patriots.
Much Needed Preseason Workload
Perhaps the biggest storyline heading into tonight is the playing time for first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. The rookie offensive tackle impressed coaches and teammates with his performance in Tuesdayâs joint practice against the Patriots. Lewis reported that Conerly held his own against New Englandâs aggressive pass rush, showing poise and technique well beyond his years. With the Commanders resting most of their starting offensive line, could Conerly see extended snaps? It could be a perfect opportunity to accelerate his NFL development.
Defensively, young starters like Tre Amos may see limited action, but the focus will be on unproven players fighting for depth spots. Another player to watch is ascending linebacker Kain Medrano. The former UCLA standout has come on strong and looks poised to crack a regular rotational role on Joe Whitt Jr’s defense.
The preseason opener allows the coaching staff to evaluate how well these players translate practice performance to game speed, where mistakes can be costly and standout moments can solidify roles.
For head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, this game is more than just a preseason formality; itâs a vital checkpoint in shaping the 2025 roster. Peters has emphasized competition since his arrival, and tonightâs contest will put that philosophy to the test. Players on the fringe know the stakes, and many will be playing with the urgency of a playoff game.
If the Commanders are to continue building on the positive momentum from their strong 2024 season, theyâll need fresh talent to emerge in games like this. Young players like Felton and Brooks arenât just fighting for a jersey; theyâre fighting to be part of a culture change in Washington. And for some, tonight in Foxborough could be the first step toward a productive NFL career.
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