The Washington Commanders formally start training camp on Wednesday, July 29. However, rookies report this Friday, July 24. Veterans are scheduled to be in Ashburn on Tuesday, July 28.
After an outstanding, record-breaking rookie season in 2024, quarterback Jayden Daniels took a step again final 12 months. It principally wasn’t his fault, as accidents plagued Daniels. Injuries had been an issue for the whole staff, as Daniels and vast receiver Terry McLaurin performed just one full sport collectively final season.
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Daniels is wholesome now. He’s additionally able to put any questions on 2025 behind him. The excellent news for Washington is that veteran Marcus Mariota is again for a 3rd season as Daniels’ backup in 2026.
Let’s take a look at Washington’s quarterback state of affairs forward of training camp.
On the roster
Roster locks
Daniels and Mariota would be the Commanders‘ No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks for the third straight season, respectively. It’s a superb state of affairs for Washington. Daniels did not miss any video games throughout his rookie season. He left a pair; Mariota relieved him and was excellent. Last season, Mariota began 10 video games. He principally performed effectively, however had his ups and downs. You may make the case that Mariota is the NFL’s finest backup quarterback.
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Training camp battle to observe
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Sam Hartman vs. Athan Kaliakmanis
Hartman is coming into his third NFL season, whereas Kaliakmanis is a rookie seventh-round choose. Naturally, you’d assume Washington needs to see its draft choose beat out the 2024 undrafted free agent. The Commanders love Hartman. So does Daniels, as they’re shut. But when he had a possibility final preseason, he struggled badly. Some had been even stunned that the Commanders saved him on the apply squad.
Kaliakmanis appears like a David Blough choose. The new offensive coordinator needed a younger quarterback to develop behind Daniels. Kaliakmanis does not possess elite bodily traits, however he has loads of beginning expertise, improved every season, is superb at going by way of his progressions and is a multi-year captain. There’s lots to love right here, particularly for somebody you’d prefer to develop as a long-term backup.
Burning query
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How will Daniels fare in Blough’s new offense?
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The Commanders moved on from former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, though Daniels needed him to stay. The younger passer was thrilled when Washington promoted Blough, his assistant quarterback coach over the past two seasons. Blough will function a extra numerous offense, together with inserting Daniels beneath heart extra typically and including extra play-action alternatives into the playbook. There will nonetheless be parts of Kingsbury’s offense, too.
This transfer was all about defending Daniels and serving to him take his sport to a different stage. The early returns appear good, however the Commanders have not performed a sport but. Daniels needs to be tailored for such a offensive scheme.
Outlook
If Daniels is wholesome in 2026, it is laborious to not think about him reminding everybody why they should not have forgotten him final season. The downside is he should keep wholesome. Daniels suffered three separate accidents in 2026. He first should show he can keep on the sphere each week. As for the third quarterback, it appears to be like prefer it’s Kaliakmanis’ to lose.
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This article initially appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders 2026 training camp preview: Quarterback