Hogs Haven
Defensive tackle Johnny Newton, wideout Luke McCaffrey and tight end Ben Sinnott all provided fleeting contributions as rookies last season. The Commanders have provided them opportunities for increased roles this year. They have all displayed progress in training camp, but none has broken out. They should all receive ample playing time Friday night.
Newton, a 2024 second-rounder slowed by foot injuries as a rookie, could provide interior pass rush with his unusual quickness. The Commanders like to line him up between guards and the center to allow him to shoot gaps.
“We’re expecting the guy that we drafted to really show this year,” defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said. “He was behind the eight ball some because he was dealing with those injuries last year. Knock on wood that he could stay healthy, and we can get the best version of him.”
With tight end Zach Ertz surely sitting out, Friday night should provide a platform for Sinnott. Quinn has praised him for how much better he has processed coverages, but he hasn’t stood out during camp. Sinnott, a second-round pick, caught only five passes as a rookie. With John Bates entrenched because of his blocking, Sinnott needs to hold off Colson Yankoff, a key special teams player, and Cole Turner on the depth chart.
McCaffrey has been one of many wideouts yet to seize on the opportunity Terry McLaurin’s contract standoff has provided. Kingsbury said it has been a “night-and-day” difference for him this year compared with his rookie season in terms of his development as a wideout. That hasn’t shown up in receiving production during practice, but he will have a chance Friday.
McCaffrey’s contributions to Washington’s offense were limited in 2025. He had 18 receptions for 168 yards in 17 games, although he did have some pivotal contributions like his 30-yard catch-and-run on fourth-and-5 against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. He was also one of the team’s primary kick returners when Austin Ekeler missed time with concussions and averaged 29.9 yards per return.
Most of his snaps in 2024 were in the slot, and according to Rotowire, only tight end Zach Ertz saw more snaps in that area of the field on the Commanders’ roster. Over the last few weeks, however, McCaffrey has gotten snaps on the outside matched up against rookie cornerback Trey Amos. One of his best snaps came on Aug. 2 when he made an over-the-shoulder sideline catch from Jayden Daniels. He made another impressive catch during joint practices with the New England Patriots, also from Daniels, as the quarterback threaded a pass between two defenders.
Although it’s unlikely McCaffrey will spend much time on the outside once Brown and McLaurin return, Kingsbury likes that McCaffrey is getting the experience.
“The young kid’s [Amos] had his number...
