The Washington Commanders' roster is still in flux as the preseason progresses, with several key positions yet to be finalized. Among the most intriguing battles is the competition for the second wide receiver (WR2) spot, where several players are making strong cases to line up opposite established star Terry McLaurin, who enters the 2024 season as the team's unquestioned number one option.
WR2 Battle Heats Up
Jahan Dotson, who is entering his third year with the Commanders, has not yet been officially designated as the WR2. Dotson showed promise in his first two seasons, but consistency has been elusive, leaving the door open for others to stake their claim.
One of those players is Olamide Zaccheaus. Undrafted in 2019, Zaccheaus has defied expectations, proving himself as a reliable target during his time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles. Now joining the Commanders this offseason, he brings with him a wealth of experience, having played in 72 games with 24 starts, and recording 104 receptions on 171 targets for 1,492 yards and 10 touchdowns. His strong performance in training camp has not gone unnoticed.
"I've been really impressed with Olamide, I thought he's had a really strong camp," said defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Zaccheaus’ ability to make plays could be pivotal for the Commanders as they finalize their depth chart.
Other Contenders
Another name in the mix is Dyami Brown, a third-round pick in 2021. Brown's career with the Commanders has been somewhat start-and-stop, having played in 15 games last season without any starts, but making six starts in his rookie season. With 29 career receptions for 476 yards and three touchdowns, Brown has flashed potential but has yet to firmly establish himself.
In addition, Luke McCaffrey, entering his rookie year, is also getting some attention. Though it remains to be seen how much he will factor into the rotation, the Commanders are keen to get him extra work during the preseason.
"Looking forward to getting Luke some extra work in here. Jahan, Dyami, so that's where we're at," Quinn added, highlighting the competitive nature of the WR2 battle.
New Faces and Comebacks
Adding another layer of complexity to the depth chart is the recent signing of Martavis Bryant, who has been out of the NFL since 2018. Whether Bryant can return to his previous form and potentially impact the WR2 race is a storyline worth monitoring as the preseason unfolds.
The Commanders' next opportunity to evaluate these wide receiver options—and others—comes on Aug. 17, when they face off against the New England Patriots in their next preseason game. The final test before the regular season will be crucial for these players as they make their case for a prominent role in the offense.
Washington opens the regular season on Sept. 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and by then, head coach Ron Rivera hopes to have a clearer picture of how his receiving corps will stack up behind McLaurin. With so much at stake, and several players vying for position, the upcoming weeks promise to be both exciting and decisive for the Commanders.