Commanders face backfield moves and McLaurin talks

Dan Quinn speaks to reporters as Washington fields questions about the running back room and Terry McLaurin’s contract situation

Financial stakes as commanders trade talks and contracts unfold

Dan Quinn spoke to reporters before the Commanders’ afternoon practice, praising the run game, the offensive line, and the defensive energy shown in Monday night’s preseason loss to the Bengals while pointing to turnovers, missed tackles, and breaking tackles as areas to tighten. Running back Brian Robinson did not play and will not be at practice, part of a bid to reshape Washington’s backfield through trades or fresh options. The team is weighing moves for veteran backs and a newer addition, aiming for a quick resolution that could involve releasing the former starter if a trade partner cannot be found.

Terry McLaurin also missed the Bengals game and will not practice today. He is coming off a PUP ankle rehab and remains in a contract dispute with the team, with conditioning work now taking precedence as he ramps up. McLaurin is not slated to appear in the preseason finale, and reports say the two sides remain far apart on a new deal. Rookie cornerback Trey Amos was a surprise scratch with hamstring tightness but is expected to return to practice, while Sam Cosmi continues to recover from ACL surgery and is still on the PUP list as the club evaluates him ahead of the 53-man roster cut. Brandon Coleman returns to practice, shifting from left tackle to left guard as the team assesses depth on the line.

The camp picture here is less about a single star and more about the shape of a squad trying to prove it can adapt on the fly. Washington is balancing immediate needs with long term responsibility, managing a potential RB shakeup while keeping McLaurin’s situation from derailing the offense’s development. The mix of veterans and a new backfield option signals a deliberate risk in search of depth, not a quick patch. The McLaurin extension talks underline the broader challenge teams face when best players push for clarity on value and role before the season begins. As the roster moves unfold, the front office appears willing to test players for the 53-man decision, even as the coaching staff emphasizes competition and conditioning over headlines.

Highlights

The coming days will show how Washington balances talent with budget and timing