Most final preseason games are fairly boring to fans. Starters are not playing. End-of-the-roster guys whose names folks are not familiar with are out there for three or more quarters while the stars of the team are in street clothes on the sidelines.
For many players though, this is their final chance to show the coaches (and maybe even other teams) that they belong in this league.
Below are five players worth keeping an eye on during tonight’s preseason finale. These are all players I’d consider to be “on the bubble” and this matchup against the Patriots at home may determine their fate.
Brycen Tremayne – Tremayne offers something the Commanders are lacking at wide receiver – size. At 6’4” 212 lbs, he would be the biggest receiver on the roster. The second-year wide receiver from Stanford spent last season on the practice squad. By all accounts he’s had a very solid camp and is firmly in the mix for one of the final spots on the 53-man roster.
Sam Hartman to Tremayne who goes up high to snag this pass pic.twitter.com/mvMYonSbEw
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) August 10, 2024
Cole Turner – After an offseason that saw him transform his body, Turner has had a pretty quiet preseason to date. He currently sits behind veterans Zach Ertz and John Bates, and rookie Ben Sinnott. Turner has ideal size and athleticism for the position, but his blocking needs work and he’s had a few balls go off his fingertips this summer.
Braeden Daniels – Daniels was a former fourth round pick by Ron Rivera. We all know how this new regime views Ron Rivera draft picks, so that puts Daniels firmly on the bubble heading into Sunday night. I have watched him in the first two preseason games, and although he was up against third string players, he held his own and showed nice feet and hands. He has versatility to play both tackle and guard so that may give him an edge over guys who are pigeon-holed at one position.
And yet again, I’m sorry. Don’t know what I kept posting LT. Daniel’s is at RT. You can kick me in the a$$ for this mistake. https://t.co/KYrGCjoNaw
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) August 11, 2024
Braeden Daniels showing good athleticism getting downfield on this quick screen. pic.twitter.com/sNc5CxAGhg
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) August 11, 2024
Phidarian Mathis – Another one of the dreaded Ron Rivera reaches, Mathis has battled nagging injuries and inconsistencies during his first two seasons. He continues to be buried on the depth chart behind stalwarts Daron Payne and Jon Allen, along with John Ridgeway and rookie Jer’Zhan Newton. The one thing that could save him is if Newton isn’t ready to begin the season due to his foot injury, and Quinn and Peters decide that more depth is needed along the defensive front. Of course, having the best game of his career to date tonight against New England can’t hurt either.
Chigozie Anusiem – Anusiem is a big, physical corner who can flat-out run (he clocked a 4.39 40 at Colorado State’s Pro Day at 6’1”, 200 lbs. He’s seen considerable burn in the first two games, often running with the second or third cornerback group. Special teams may be his saving grace, and if he shows enough Sunday night on the outside in coverage and run support, he could be a surprise addition to the 53.