This is an important week for the Washington Commanders. After two weeks of training camp, business picks up on Wednesday as Washington travels to Massachusetts to face off against the New England Patriots in a joint scrimmage. The two teams meet in the preseason opener on Friday in Foxborough.

The joint practice and first preseason game are an opportunity for fans to see which players will shine against opposing teams. While most of the initial 53-man roster is probably already set, some spots will be determined by what happens in the joint practices and the preseason games.

After two weeks of training camp, what has changed for the Commanders? We did a 53-man roster projection two weeks ago, just before camp opened. Now, it’s time for another, this time, ahead of preseason Week 1.

Before we dive into the new 53-man roster projection, you can look at the previous one here.

Quarterback (2)Jayden DanielsMarcus Mariota

Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman are battling for the No. 3 job. Both players have been solid in camp. It makes the most sense to keep two and attempt to get Hartman back on the practice squad. Daniels and Mariota are one of the best QB duos in the NFL, if not the best.

Running back (4)Brian Robinson Jr.Austin EkelerJacory Croskey-MerrittJeremy McNichols

We went with three two weeks ago. Robinson and Ekeler are locks. Croskey-Merritt continues to be one of the most-talked-about players of the summer. Dan Quinn has repeatedly praised the rookie seventh-round pick. It’s easy to say Washington sticks with three backs, but the coaching staff loves McNichols. Every time they called his number last season, he delivered. A sneaky good pickup last season. McNichols does everything well and is a culture guy. He also sets the tone in pass protection.

Wide receiver (6)Terry McLaurinDeebo SamuelLuke McCaffreyJaylin LaneNoah BrownChris Moore

McLaurin and Samuel are the 1-2, and they should be among the top duos in the NFL. Noah Brown is solid and thrives in his role, while Lane, a rookie from Virginia Tech, is having an excellent training camp. The Commanders still believe McCaffrey is due for a big leap. Last time, we went with K.J. Osborn for the final spot. Now, we’ve changed our minds to Moore. The veteran stands out in almost every practice and can help on special teams.

Tight end (4)Zach ErtzJohn BatesBen SinnottColson Yankoff

Same group as last year. No changes from the first projection. This is a good group. Ertz and Bates are an extremely solid 1-2 punch, while Sinnott has had an encouraging camp after a quiet rookie year. Yankoff, another second-year player, is having an excellent camp. He is showing his ability on offense and thrives on special teams.

Offensive linemen (9)Laremy TunsilJosh Conerly Jr.Tyler BiadaszBrandon ColemanNick AllegrettiAndrew WylieTrent ScottChris PaulFoster Sarell

We’ve changed a few things here. First, we still aren’t including Sam Cosmi on the initial 53. While Dan Quinn indicated he could play Week 1, we think the Commanders are cautious for a few weeks. Cosmi is too important. Nate Herbig’s surprise retirement shakes things up a bit. Last time, we had Herbig and Michael Deiter making the 53. We are sticking with Tunsil, Coleman, Biadasz, Wylie, Allegretti, Conerly, Scott and Sarell, but only have nine making it this time around. Sarell’s ability to play guard and tackle helps his chances, and Chris Paul has been more impressive than Deiter.

EDGE/Defensive end (6)Von MillerDorance ArmstrongClelin FerrellJavontae Jean-BaptisteJacob MartinDeatrich Wise

This is a good, deep group. Miller is the headliner. Sure, he’s 36 and may not be an NFL Defensive Player of the Year-type guy anymore, but he can still make a significant impact. Armstrong was solid last season, and more is expected in 2025. Ferrell, Martin and Wise are solid, dependable veterans. Martin has flashed as a pass rusher this camp, while Wise has been excellent. Jean-Baptiste gets the final spot over Jalyn Holmes due to his youth, length and athleticism. Holmes could still find a way onto the roster.

Defensive tackle (4)Daron PayneJavon KinlawJer’Zhan NewtonEddie Goldman

Payne and Kinlaw have been outstanding this summer. Those people who criticized GM Adam Peters for signing Kinlaw to a three-year deal could look foolish in a few months. Kinlaw is a big man with heavy hands. The combination of him and Payne could be what many wanted to see from Payne and Jonathan Allen in previous years. Washington believes Newton will have a big year, while Goldman gets the final spot over Sheldon Day. Goldman’s ability as a run-stuffer helps him gain the edge.

Linebacker (5)Bobby WagnerFrankie LuvuJordan MageeNick Bellore (special teams)Kain Medrano (R)

Another consistent group here. Wagner and Luvu are the stars. Magee is a rising young player who has earned praise from Wagner and several Washington coaches. Bellore is strictly a special-teams player, while Medrano has flashed, particularly last week. His size and speed pop out. He could also play safety. Medrano is sticking on the 53.

Cornerback (5)Marshon LattimoreMike SainristilJonathan JonesTrey AmosNoah Igbinoghene

Depending on who you ask, some may tell you that the cornerback room has been the most impressive unit through two weeks of training camp. Lattimore is healthy and ready to reward Washington’s faith in trading for him. Sainristil looks like the Commanders’ MVP so far, while Amos looks like he belongs as a rookie. To have players like Jones and Igbinoghene coming off the bench is a major win for Washington. Jones and Igbinoghene can play. Undrafted rookie Car’Lin Vigers has had a nice camp, too, but looks headed to the practice squad.

Safety (5)Quan MartinWill HarrisPercy ButlerJeremy ReavesTyler Owens

Another position where there are no changes. This is a solid group. A group that Dan Quinn would feel confident with any of these players on the field. Martin and Harris are expected to start, but Owens has gotten some work with the 1s. Butler, Reaves and Owens are all standouts on special teams.

Special teams (3)K Matt GayP Tress WayLS Tyler Ott

No changes here. We could list Bellore here, too, since he’s strictly a special-teams player. The kicking game should be in excellent shape with Gay and Way. Tyler Ott is excellent. You never hear his name, which is ideal.