Players on the bubble inhabit ‘funky space’ ahead of preseason finale

The impending roster cutdown keeps Commanders coach Dan Quinn up at night. Ahead of Thursday’s practice — the final training camp session — the second-year coach touched on the many question marks facing his team ahead of the regular season.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin has yet to join his teammates in practice as he negotiates a new contract. He watched from the sidelines on Thursday.

Fellow wide receiver Noah Brown is still working back from an offseason leg injury. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. is expected to be cut or traded before the regular season opener, leaving a gap in the running back room.

“The things that are going good don’t keep you up at night. It’s the things that you’re struggling with and stressed about,” Quinn said. “This time of year, it’s the roster … providing the right information, getting the right looks. It’ll be 53 tough decisions.”

The wide receiver and cornerback rooms offer the most difficult choices. Those position groups will likely be cut in half before the regular season begins with a matchup at home against the New York Giants on Sept. 7.

The unclear status of Robinson and McLaurin — the receiver has requested a trade — further complicates matters.

“This time of year is always funky for players. …” Quinn said. “It’s this funky space. There’s some guys that are already on the roster, some that are fighting for it.”

Quarterback Jayden Daniels’ roster spot is safe. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year and franchise quarterback finds himself with a much different role compared to last year’s camp — he’s the offense’s undisputed leader.

His command of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s system has impressed coaches and teammates.

“He’s taking more ownership. He’s holding guys accountable to his standards, and his standards for himself are very high, and for the team are very high,” tight end Zach Ertz said. “He knows what he means to this organization and what he means to us as the quarterback of this team.”

He likely won’t suit up for the final preseason game at home against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. He’ll join established teammates like linebacker Bobby Wagner and left tackle Laremy Tunsil on the bench.

Instead, fans will be treated to signal-callers Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman. The duo, a journeyman and a second-year pro, will continue their battle for the third quarterback spot.

The final 53-man roster isn’t set. The coaching and personnel departments held a meeting last week to discuss where they stood on different players, but the preseason finale will be the final data point for another meeting next week. The Commanders need to trim the roster by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Quinn is urging players on the bubble to focus on one day at a time, avoiding the trap of looking forward to next week’s cutdown day.

“It’s not going to help you perform better,” Quinn said. “Everybody has these same emotions, but can we bring it back to be grounded and present where we are now?”

That’s easier said than done for undrafted receivers Ja’Corey Brooks and Jacoby Jones, who are hoping to solidify a spot on the practice squad if they don’t make the active roster. It’s also a challenge for seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who looks primed to take many of the carries previously earmarked for Robinson.

Linebacker Frankie Luvu has been in their shoes. An All-Pro selection last year, Luvu was once an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets who had to claw his way onto the roster.

He was a victim of cutdown day in 2018, joining the Jets’ practice squad before earning his shot on the active roster due to an injury a few weeks later.

“Just leave your last snap how you want to be remembered. Leave that resume for not just this team, but 31 other teams,” Luvu said. “Cut it loose. Why not?”