The second practice of Washington Commanders' mandatory minicamp came with concern attached. It was another strong, physical session, but wide receiver Noah Brown being carted off wasn't ideal.
After securing a catch, Brown fell to the floor. He was noticeably in pain and threw his helmet, hobbling off the field. Upon further examination on the sideline, he was carted into the facility and let out a scream of either pain or frustration along the way.
Everyone associated with the Commanders is praying for good news. However, with Michael Gallup also nursing a hamstring complication, the wideout dynamic could change pretty quickly depending on what comes next.
Dan Quinn and his accomplished coaching staff will roll with the punches. For those fit and on the field, this remains a chance to impress and, in some cases, force their way into the team's plans in 2025
Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels is the franchise quarterback and big hope for the Washington Commanders. The team will only go as far as last year's No. 2 pick takes them. And general manager Adam Peters did everything possible to surround the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with everything needed to thrive this offseason.
Daniels is the undisputed starter. However, there's been plenty to like about Marcus Mariota's production over Washington's mandatory minicamp so far.
Mariota opted to stay in Washington on a one-year deal this spring when most projected the former Oregon standout to fight for a starting gig elsewhere. He embraced the backup role as Daniels' mentor and wanted to see the project through before potentially exploring alternative employment in 2026.
The Commanders know Mariota can deliver the goods if Daniels is forced to miss time. His level of comfort within Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts has increased according to observers. The signal-caller is poised, and accurate, continuing to evolve despite his advancing years. That won't threaten Daniels' job, but it's the best possible insurance policy.
If Mariota keeps this up over the summer and makes his presence felt over the preseason, that might prick the ears of a team going through some quarterback turmoil. And if the Commanders get a trade offer they can't refuse, those in power would be foolish not to consider the possibility.
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
The Commanders raised a few eyebrows when they took Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. They'd already made a bold trade to acquire five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans, but that wasn't enough for general manager Adam Peters in pursuit of fixing the offensive trenches.
Peters thought Conerly would go much higher. The Commanders got a stroke of good fortune, and Jayden Daniels could have a bookend tackle tandem to depend upon if everything goes according to plan.
Conerly is starting to look comfortable. The former Oregon edge force had arguably his best day of practice on Wednesday, displaying the sharp footwork and sound technical prowess that made him a coveted target for the Commanders following their extensive pre-draft evaluations.
One rep, in particular, was highlighted by the media in attendance. Free-agent signing Jacob Martin tried to beat Conerly with a power rush move. Play strength was his biggest concern coming out of college, but the tackle showcased his firm base to stonewall the pass-rusher.
If Conerly can keep adding to the power element of his game away from the team, that'll show up at training camp as he looks to cement his status as the team's starting right tackle opposite Tunsil in Week 1 against the New York Giants.
