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The Washington Commanders continued to tweak their roster ahead of Sunday's matchup with the New York Giants, announcing a series of moves on Saturday. The team activated defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. from the Reserve/PUP list, and he was also removed from the injury report, providing additional depth on the defensive line. Linebacker Austin Keys was signed to the active roster, while safety Darren Hall and wide receiver Van Jefferson were elevated from the practice squad.
Jefferson's promotion carries extra significance given that Stefon Diggs has already been ruled out and Terry McLaurin is listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury. However, the Commanders also downgraded cornerback Trey Amos and running back Jeremy McNichols to out, eliminating any chance of either suiting up on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Giants made their own roster adjustments. New York placed defensive lineman Chauncey Golston on injured reserve with a neck injury, ending his season. Golston had already been ruled out for Sunday's game, but the move ensures he won't return later in the year. The Giants also elevated wide receiver Dalen Cambre and outside linebacker Trace Ford from their practice squad.
Third-Down Struggles Present Opportunity
One area to watch on Sunday is third-down efficiency. Washington's offense ranks 30th in the NFL, converting only 31.6% of its third-down attempts, while the Giants' defense also ranks 30th, allowing opponents to convert 48.9%. That matchup could give the Commanders a chance to improve, especially with quarterback Jayden Daniels back under center. Daniels' ability to extend plays adds another dimension, though the absence of Diggs and the potential absence of McLaurin complicates matters.
Penalties Continue to Plague Washington
Discipline has been a recurring issue for the Commanders. Through four games, Washington has committed 30 accepted penalties for 224 yards, a problem that head coach Dan Quinn has emphasized. Pre-snap mistakes have repeatedly put the team in difficult situations, and facing an aggressive Giants defense could exacerbate those struggles.
Crucial Catch Initiative
Sunday's game will also highlight the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative, which promotes cancer awareness and early detection. The Commanders shared a story featuring Charles Omenihu, Treylon Burks, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste, all of whom discussed how cancer has affected people close to them.
Center Position in Flux
The Commanders' offseason decision to release veteran center Tyler Biadasz left the team thin at a critical position. General manager Adam Peters insisted that Nick Allegretti was the answer at center, but Allegretti suffered a calf strain in training camp and has not returned. That has made Lucas Patrick's role all the more important.
Daniels Returns with Challenges
Jayden Daniels will be back under center for Washington after missing the past two games with a left elbow injury. However, rain is forecasted in Landover, Maryland, hours before the 1 p.m. kickoff at Northwest Stadium, and Daniels will wear a brace on his left elbow. Adjusting to the brace would be difficult enough without the added challenge of a wet football.
Key Takeaways
- Jayden Daniels returns after missing two games with a left elbow injury.
- Washington is 1-3 but has won four straight against the Giants.
- New York is 3-1 and leads the NFC East.
- The Giants have forced eight takeaways (six interceptions) in four games.
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt needs 38 rushing yards to reach 1,000 for his career.
- Croskey-Merritt ran for 96 yards and a touchdown in his last game against New York.
- Terry McLaurin is questionable with a hamstring injury.
- Jaylin Lane is unavailable after being placed on injured reserve.
- Taylor Heinicke returns as Washington's Legend of the Game.
- A win would give Washington five straight victories over New York and three straight home wins in the series for the first time since the 1980s.
Cosmi has long been one of Washington's best and most underrated players, but he hasn't been consistently available for the past two seasons. He tore his ACL during the Commanders' divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions in January of 2025, which cost him much of the following campaign.
For more insights, check out the John Keim Report and Last Man Standig podcasts, which discuss the Giants game, Washington's roster moves, and the NFC East battle. The HTTR4LIFE Mailbag also welcomes questions at [email protected].