Daily Slop - 3 Aug 25 - Ertz, Deebo, Coleman, Bill, McLaurin, Conerly and more as Commanders finish 2nd camp day in pads

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ESPN

2025 Washington Commanders training camp: Latest intel, updates

Saturday, Aug. 2

Washington tight end Zach Ertz was one of quarterback Jayden Daniels’ favorite targets last season — he caught 66 passes with seven touchdowns. Based on training camp, it appears that will be the case again in 2025.

They have consistently connected throughout practices, especially in the red zone — as happened again Saturday for another touchdown when he blocked out safety Will Harris. Ertz’s consistency as a route runner makes him a valuable target. During one drill Saturday he caught consecutive passes over the middle — first versus a zone and then against man coverage.

More:

Receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. jammed a finger in his right hand after a pass from Daniels hit off his hands. It was late in practice so Samuel didn’t return to the field and was seen rubbing his hand later while spending time with friends and family on the field.
Left guard Brandon Coleman also exited practice early, hobbling off the field and heading back into the facility. Andrew Wylie initially replaced him and Chris Paul also worked at the position with the starters. Coach Dan Quinn will provide injury updates on Monday with the team heading to New England the next day.

Washington Post (paywall)

RB Bill Croskey-Merritt has fans’ attention, seeks Commanders roster spot

After an awkward and abrupt end to his college football career, the rookie running back aims to find a role with Washington.

It’s not uncommon for a late-round draft pick to capture outsize attention from an NFL team’s fan base during the first weeks of training camp. And for Washington Commanders fans, rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has basked in that affection.

Commanders Coach Dan Quinn said he is looking to see how running backs handle special teams work to find them spots on the team.

“It’ll be interesting to see in this year and the years ahead how many of those returners are running backs, how many are receivers, and it will definitely factor into the final roster,” Quinn said.

Apart from occasional reps higher up on the depth chart, Croskey-Merritt largely has been the fourth or fifth running back in the Commanders’ practice rotation.

Throughout training camp, Croskey-Merritt has gotten work blocking on kickoff and punt returns. After practice Saturday, he spent several minutes off by himself catching punts.

“I haven’t played any special teams before,” Croskey-Merritt said. “This is something that I’ve got to do, but it’s going to work out. I’m loving special teams right now. … If you want to be on that roster, you better be on special teams.”