ASHBURN — The Washington Commanders’ starters will see “very limited” playing time in Saturday’s exhibition against the Baltimore Ravens. And if that sounds vague, that’s because coach Ron Rivera purposely kept it so.
Rivera declined to outright say if quarterback Carson Wentz would play in this weekend’s preseason finale. But in any event, the contest won’t be for those like Wentz — whose spot on the roster became solidified as soon as Washington traded for him in March.
Rather, the final preseason game marks one last chance for those on the bubble to make an argument on why they deserve to be kept on the team’s 53-man roster before cuts Tuesday. It matters to those like Jeremy Reaves, a veteran safety who annually has to fight for his spot.
“It really does separate some guys in my opinion,” Rivera said of the preseason finale.
With the 53-man roster not yet finalized, here’s who is on the cusp — and who could solidify their place with a strong performance.
Jonathan Williams, running back: Does Washington want to keep four running backs? Williams’ spot could come down to a numbers game, but the 28-year-old’s steady showing throughout camp has him in the mix for the 53. Williams appears to have an edge over last year’s fan favorite Jaret Patterson if Washington opts to keep a fourth back, though there’s a possibility the Commanders could roll with just three (Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic). Prediction: Out
Keith Ismael, center: Keith Ismael has gotten a lot of starting reps this summer in part because Chase Roullier and Tyler Larsen have been out. But that doesn’t mean his spot is guaranteed. Roullier is now back, and even if Washington needs a backup in case of another injury, the Commanders could always look to shift veteran Wes Schweitzer to the position from guard. Yet, Rivera prefers to stock up on linemen — working in Ismael’s favor. Prediction: In
Reaves, safety: For the last three seasons, Reaves has been waived on cutdown day — only to be signed to the practice squad soon after. Will this be the year that trend ends? Washington may only keep four safeties, but if it keeps five, Reaves has made a strong argument to make it. The slot will come down to him or Steven Parker, who has shown flashes after arriving midway through camp. Prediction: In
Christian Holmes, cornerback: Drafted rookies generally make the roster — though seventh-rounders have to especially earn their way on. Holmes, a 6-foot-1 corner out of Oklahoma State, is still trying to prove he belongs. The rookie has had to get used to Washington’s zone-based defense after playing primarily man-to-man in college. But Holmes is a physical corner and it helps that Washington is very thin at the position. Prediction: In
Alex Erickson, wide receiver: The Commanders signed Alex Erickson in March to potentially be their punt and kick returner. That plan may not work out. The 29-year-old has underwhelmed when returning the ball — notably failing to get outside the 20-yard line when fielding kick-off returns. Washington kept seven receivers last season, but the Commanders likely don’t have the talent at the position to justify such a move this year. If Erickson makes it, that’ll likely be bad news for Dax Milne. Prediction: Out (Milne in)
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.