Updated
Updated · USA Today · Aug 3
Commanders Open Pads After Week 1 as Odafe Oweh, Rachaad White Rise
Updated
Updated · USA Today · Aug 3

Commanders Open Pads After Week 1 as Odafe Oweh, Rachaad White Rise

3 articles · Updated · USA Today · Aug 3

Summary

  • Monday’s first padded practice follows a Week 1 camp in which Washington’s defense set the tone, with Daronte Jones’ varied looks challenging Jayden Daniels and new offensive coordinator David Blough early.
  • Odafe Oweh emerged as the biggest standout of the opening week, making plays daily and flashing the size-speed profile Washington has lacked off the edge in recent years.
  • Rachaad White also boosted his standing despite non-padded sessions, showing burst, vision and receiving ability that point to a significant 2026 role.
  • Center became an early concern after Nick Allegretti suffered a calf strain expected to sideline him about 1 week; Julian Good-Jones and rookie Matt Gulbin struggled, prompting Washington to sign Trey Hill.
  • The No. 2 receiver job opposite Terry McLaurin remains unsettled: Treylon Burks impressed before briefly missing time, and no contender has separated enough to rule out a Stefon Diggs addition.

Insights

Who will seize Washington’s No. 2 receiver job after Treylon Burks’ injury setback, or will the team need a veteran addition?
How serious is Washington’s center depth problem after Nick Allegretti’s injury, and can Trey Hill or a young backup stabilize the line?
Can Odafe Oweh’s dominant camp start and Sonny Styles’ emergence turn Washington’s defense into the team’s true identity before the offense catches up?