Coming off one of the most remarkable single-season turnarounds in modern NFL history, the sky is the limit for the Washington Commanders. They have found their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels, and the team seems poised to be a viable contender for the next decade-plus. However, the organization must be careful when handling every step moving forward.
As a result, head coach Dan Quinn exercised some caution in beginning the preseason with most starters not taking the field against the New England Patriots. Week 2, though, offers a different opportunity when they square off against the Cincinnati Bengals. With some in-game NFL action, which is also a good idea for the roster, in question, will Quinn change his strategy or keep the same game plan for the second consecutive week?
Will Jayden Daniels and Key Commanders Starters Play Against the Bengals?
The first week of preseason seemed like a night off for Washington. Resting most of their starters, New England blew the team out 48-18. But trying to get into the regular season with some momentum might sway their coach to change his approach.
The Commanders’ biggest concern will be the Cincinnati pass rush, which will have its first-team members, including first-round pick Shemar Stewart, in the lineup. As a result, protecting their franchise quarterback will also be a priority for them.
But a senior writer for the team, Zach Selby, confirmed on X that the plan was for the starters to get some reps against the Bengals before the regular season officially kicks off. He wrote, “Quinn said he would like to see Jayden and the starters for ‘a few series’ against the Bengals. Added that it won’t be for very long.”
For a team trying to reconfigure its offensive identity as the status of their number one wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, remains in jeopardy, the game against Cincy offers Daniels and the rest of the Commanders invaluable game time to find their rhythm.
Speaking of McLaurin, though, he was one of seven names that Quinn confirmed wouldn’t be on the roster against the Bengals.
Quinn said he would like to see Jayden and the starters for “a few series” against the Bengals. Added that it won’t be for very long
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 16, 2025
While some are dealing with injuries, others find some rest thanks to their tenure and experience in the league.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz, linebacker Von Miller, and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil fall into the experienced category. However, offensive lineman Sam Cosmi and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota have yet to fully recover from their injuries.
And McLaurin, who recently came off the PUP list, is also going to be on the sidelines against Cincinnati. Instead, the fan base can focus on the remade defense and how Daniels fares without his top target to get a sense of their team’s units.
