The Washington Commanders had been again on the follow fields in Ashburn on Monday morning. It was scorching, so the Commanders acquired an early begin. Monday's follow was completely different, although, as Day 5 meant the primary day Washington was in pads.
NFL groups are allowed 16 padded practices throughout coaching camp, however there’s a five-day acclimation interval from the beginning of camp. The Commanders had been prepared for the pads. At one level throughout follow, second-year security Tyler Owens and rookie operating again Jacory Croskey-Merritt collided, however they had been positive.
Listed here are some fast takeaways from Day 5:
Veteran relaxation day
Head coach Dan Quinn likes to provide his veterans extra relaxation to assist hold them wholesome and scale back the wear and tear and tear. Tight finish Zach Ertz, getting into his thirteenth NFL season, joked on Sunday that quarterback Jayden Daniels didn't wish to see him obtain relaxation days. Monday was a relaxation day for Ertz, in addition to others. Laremy Tunsil, Von Miller, Marshon Lattimore, and Clelin Ferrell all joined Ertz with a day without work.
Deebo Samuel at kickoff returner?
In his press convention earlier than follow, Quinn spoke of utilizing Deebo Samuel as a kickoff returner. Veteran operating again Austin Ekeler dealt with the function final season however handled concussions. Luke McCaffrey took over late final season. It's unsure how a lot the Commanders need to use Ekeler in that function. The brand new kickoff guidelines favor gamers like Ekeler and Samuel, who excel at their finest work after the catch. It appears uncertain that Washington would use Samuel as a kickoff returner usually, nevertheless it's an choice to discover this summer season.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt continues to shine
the rook is runnin' pic.twitter.com/NeNcTAqSuZ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 28, 2025
Among the Washington beat reporters talked about Croskey-Merritt as one of many camp's high standouts. Quinn mentioned the way it was exhausting to glean an excessive amount of from a operating again till the pads come on; nonetheless, he praised his "violent cuts," which had been on show Monday. Making the workforce shouldn’t be actually a query. The Commanders cherished Croskey-Merritt within the pre-draft course of and imagine they stole him within the seventh spherical. He's going to play this season. Stacking good practices solely helps his trigger.
Run protection could possibly be legit
Offense has gotten completely ZERO push in run sport vs D-Line
Good for a bunch that gave up third most yards earlier than contact— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) July 28, 2025
That is promising. Washington used its sources to enhance its offensive and defensive traces this offseason. The run protection was the Achilles heel final season. A number of sources had been allotted to the line of defense, because the Commanders sought so as to add measurement and energy. It's early in camp, so you may't study an excessive amount of in regards to the run protection, however this might go a good distance towards Washington closing the hole on Philadelphia. What helps right here is depth. The Commanders will rotate loads of our bodies up entrance and these gamers perceive the significance of preserving our bodies off their linebackers.
Jayden Daniels' finest follow?
Right here's what Zach Selby of commanders.com mentioned about Daniels on Monday:
We're not even per week into camp, however Daniels seemed sharp on Monday's follow. It might need been his finest follow of camp to date, as he was throwing exact, correct passes to his weapons. The most effective got here throughout a purple zone interval, as he related with Austin Ekeler close to the objective line. Ekeler made the catch and stretched the ball over the top zone earlier than jogging out of bounds.
Why does it not shock you that when the pads got here on, Daniels was at his finest. This got here the day after Daniels threw a dime within the again nook of the top zone for rookie Jaylin Lane, who made an exceptional catch.
Terry McLaurin indicators autographs once more
Terry McLaurin at follow immediately along with his agent Buddy Baker pic.twitter.com/twOjTOld7P
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 28, 2025
For the second consecutive day, extensive receiver Terry McLaurin got here on the sector towards the top of follow, had a dialog along with his agent, after which went over to the followers and signed autographs. He briefly spoke to the media, telling them that he was taking every thing daily. Adam Schefter reported afterward Monday that he believes McLaurin is asking north of $33 million, which is what new Steelers extensive receiver DK Metcalf is now making after signing a brand new contract. Nevertheless, McLaurin is over two years older than Metcalf. Schefter mentioned the 2 sides stay far aside. Teammates are blissful that McLaurin is at the very least again within the constructing.
This text initially appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders coaching camp: Takeaways from Day 5
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