Athan Kaliakmanis Earns Spot as Washington Builds Depth
The Washington Commanders have finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season, and one of the biggest developments is the emergence of rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis as the team's third quarterback.
Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round draft pick, entered training camp competing with Sam Hartman for a potential roster spot. For much of the preseason, Washington appeared capable of carrying only two quarterbacks behind starter Jayden Daniels. But Kaliakmanis' performance and Marcus Mariota's recovery from a knee injury changed that calculation.
The Commanders ultimately kept Daniels, Mariota and Kaliakmanis, giving the team three quarterbacks heading into the regular season. The initial roster is not necessarily the final version, however, with Washington expected to continue making moves before its Sept. 13 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kaliakmanis Forces His Way Into the Picture
Kaliakmanis' rise is one of the clearest surprises from Washington's roster decisions.
The rookie had initially appeared to be competing for a developmental role, with the possibility of landing on the practice squad. But his preseason performance made it more difficult for the Commanders to expose him to the waiver process.
Against Detroit, Kaliakmanis completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards, showing enough downfield ability and playmaking potential to strengthen his case. His progress became even more important when Mariota suffered a sprained MCL that ended his preseason.
The result is a quarterback room led by Daniels, with veteran experience behind him and a promising rookie developing at No. 3.
Marcus Mariota's Injury Influenced the Decision
Mariota was expected to serve as Daniels' primary backup, but his knee injury created uncertainty about his availability for the beginning of the regular season.
That uncertainty made keeping a third quarterback more practical.
The Commanders are hoping Mariota will be ready for Week 1, but retaining Kaliakmanis gives Washington an insurance option if the veteran cannot play. The rookie also gives the team a developmental quarterback who can continue learning the offense without immediately being exposed to the waiver wire.
For a team built around Daniels, protecting the quarterback position is particularly important.
Washington Loaded Up at Wide Receiver
Another notable feature of the 53-man roster is the decision to keep seven wide receivers.
The group includes Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, Jaylin Lane and Dyami Brown.
The addition of Diggs during the offseason raised expectations for the passing game, while McLaurin remains one of Washington's most important offensive players.
Keeping seven receivers also reflects the importance of special teams. McCaffrey and Lane can contribute as returners and coverage players, giving the Commanders additional value beyond their offensive snaps.
The depth could allow Washington to rotate players depending on matchups, although maintaining seven receivers means fewer roster spots are available elsewhere.
Running Back Room Is Surprisingly Thin
Washington kept only three running backs on the initial roster: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen.
Jeremy McNichols, who had been competing for a role, was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return. That leaves the Commanders with relatively little margin for error at the position.
Croskey-Merritt and White are expected to handle much of the workload, while Allen provides additional depth.
The situation could change quickly if McNichols returns or Washington adds another running back through the waiver wire or free agency.
Offensive Line Remains a Major Concern
The roster decisions also highlight a major issue that has developed during the offseason: offensive-line depth.
Washington lost left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a torn triceps injury. Tunsil is expected to begin the season on injured reserve with a designation to return, leaving Brandon Coleman among the players who could take on increased responsibility at left tackle.
Center has also been a concern because of Nick Allegretti's injury history during camp.
The Commanders have assembled a group that includes Sam Cosmi, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Brandon Coleman, Josh Conerly Jr., Andrew Wylie and other depth players. But the injuries have exposed how quickly Washington's depth can be tested.
For an offense built around Daniels' mobility and playmaking, protecting the quarterback will remain one of the team's most important priorities.
Cornerback Is Another Area to Watch
Washington's initial roster also leaves room for potential additions at cornerback.
The team kept Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson and Rasul Douglas, while Trey Amos was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.
The limited number of healthy corners means Washington could look outside the organization for reinforcements.
With the waiver-wire process beginning after roster cuts, General Manager Adam Peters has an opportunity to address weaknesses without waiting for injuries to create a crisis.
Defense Still Has Important Pieces Returning
Washington's defense has shown flashes during the preseason, particularly along the defensive front.
The unit generated pressure and turnovers during the preseason, including a sequence against Detroit in which linebacker Joshua Josephs recovered a fumble for a touchdown after Amik Robertson forced the turnover.
However, injuries have affected several important defensive players.
Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Daron Payne had been dealing with injuries late in the preseason, while Johnny Newton also faced an injury situation. Their availability will be important as Washington prepares for the regular season.
Special Teams Gets a New Kicker
The Commanders also settled their kicking competition before the roster deadline.
Undrafted rookie Drew Stevens won the job after Washington released Jake Moody earlier in August. Tress Way remains the punter, while Tyler Ott continues as the long snapper.
Stevens now enters the season with an important responsibility on a team that cannot afford to leave points on the field.
The 53-Man Roster Is Only the Beginning
Although the Commanders have reached the NFL's 53-player limit, the roster is expected to change before the regular season.
Washington has areas that could benefit from additional depth, particularly at running back, offensive line and cornerback. The waiver wire provides an opportunity to address some of those needs.
The Commanders' initial roster includes three quarterbacks, three running backs, seven wide receivers, four tight ends and 10 offensive linemen.
That distribution reveals the team's priorities: protect Daniels, provide him with multiple receiving options and maintain flexibility at skill positions.
Washington's Biggest Roster Questions
The most intriguing development is undoubtedly Kaliakmanis' emergence.
A seventh-round pick who initially looked like a potential practice-squad player has now earned a place behind Daniels and Mariota. His opportunity could become even more important if Mariota's knee prevents him from being ready for Week 1.
But the quarterback decision is only one part of Washington's roster puzzle.
The Commanders must also find solutions for their offensive-line injuries, strengthen a thin cornerback group and monitor the health of several defensive contributors.
The 53-man roster gives Coach Dan Quinn and General Manager Adam Peters a foundation for the season. It does not give them a finished product.
With the regular-season opener still ahead, Washington's roster-building work is far from complete. The next moves — particularly through waivers and injured-player designations — could be just as important as the decisions made on cutdown day.
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