The Washington Commanders announced their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 season. Here are five takeaways from the list.
1. Four running backs.
The Commanders knew heading into training camp that their running back room would be deep and competitive. The decision to trade Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers left a void in terms of a clear No. 1, but the Commanders appear to be taking a committee approach to things.
Of the four players that made the cut, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is perhaps the biggest, most pleasant surprise. He impressed his coaches and teammates with his quickness and vision, so much so that he didn't even play in the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. There are high levels of excitement for Croskey-Merritt from both the fans and coaching staff, especially after his 27-yard touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Commanders are still trying to figure out how to use him best, but he is expected to be a key piece going forward.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s emergence was another surprise from camp. He showed growth in the offense after being cut and sent to the practice squad last season, and that manifested in the form of a 40-yard run against the Bengals. The Commanders have plans for him as their short-yardage and goal line running back, but he could be primed for a more robust role.
Austin Ekeler is still as shifty as ever and provides veteran leadership to the group in the final year of his contract. Jeremy McNichols will provide a change of pace in the backfield while also filling a role on special teams.
2. Ale Kaho made it.
An undrafted free agent has managed to make the initial roster for the past several years now, and Kaho continued that tradition in 2025.
Kaho was a consistent standout, both in practice and the preseason games, for his physicality and violence at the point of attack. In coverage, he was able to read and react to routes and showed impressive closing speed on pass-catchers. Head coach Dan Quinn called Kaho instinctual after the Ravens game and highlighted how much he has improved on special teams.
Kaho ranked second on the team in tackles against the Ravens with seven stops and had 14 overall in the final two preseason games. He will likely be further down the depth chart, but he has shown that he can at least help the team in some capacity.
3. They kept three quarterbacks.
The question of whether the Commanders would keep two or three quarterbacks on the active roster was one of the biggest the team faced in this year's training camp. They ultimately decided that Josh Johnson would provide the most value to the room.
Johnson, 39, is a 10-year NFL veteran who entered the league with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a fifth-round pick (160th overall) in the 2008 draft. In his career, Johnson has played in 45 games with nine starts and has thrown for 2,297 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns and a 58.1 completion percentage. He has also rushed for 426 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Johnson went 28-of-44 for 279 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions during the Commanders' preseason schedule, but his value comes from his veteran experience. Johnson has been part of several offensive systems by now, and the unit did run smoother with him in the backfield.
4. Five receivers on the roster...for now.
Another question the Commanders had on offense was whether they would keep six wide receivers on the active roster. None of their options provided a strong enough case for it, though, so they are sticking with five for now.
The five receivers Washington kept have been virtual locks since camp began in July. Terry McLaurin, who signed a contract extension on Tuesday, is the clear No. 1 threat in the room. Deebo Samuel was acquired via trade to inject some versatility into the offense, and Noah Brown returned to add more size and provide Daniels with a deep threat. Luke McCaffrey and rookie Jaylin Lane are expected to provide depth in the slot and play a role on special teams.
There is potential for the Commanders to add another player to the group, similar to their approach with signing Brown last year. There are several veterans and younger players on the open market after the league-wide roster cuts, and many of them could help elevate the group's depth. We'll find out later today (Aug. 27) whether the Commanders managed to claim any players off the waiver wire.
5. It's the most linebackers they have kept in years.
The Commanders' linebacker depth had been light for several years prior to Quinn and Adam Peters taking over. Now, it's one of the deepest positions on the roster.
Kaho is a member of a seven-player crew with two Hall of Famers leading it. Bobby Wagner is joined by Von Miller, the active leader in career sacks. Behind them is Frankie Luvu, who provided emotional leadership to the defense in addition to racking up eight sacks last season. Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee, who were drafted over the past two seasons, are the position's future with the potential to have key roles this season. Medrano stood out in coverage, while Quinn called Magee "a hell of a competitor."
The Commanders spent the offseason investing in ways for them to get more physical up front with more options to rush the passer. Most of that was focused on the defensive line, but part of that effort was also spent on making sure what ESPN's Mike Clay called the best linebacker corps in the NFL ahead of the 2024 season could contribute to that as well.
