Luke McCaffrey is another player who the Commanders have moved around from his traditional spot as a slot receiver. The second-year pro has spent time on the outside working against rookie Trey Amos and has made a handful of plays. He made an impressive sideline grab working against Amos on Aug. 2, which drew some “Luuuuukkkkeee” chants from the fans.
Kingsbury has been impressed with the progress McCaffrey, who had 18 receptions for 168 yards in 2024, has made in a year.
“Luke has really come a long way,” Kingsbury said. “He’s definitely night and day different from what he was last year.”
As for players who aren’t regularly with the starters, fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane has gotten more snaps. He had what was perhaps the catch of training camp early in Week 2 and has consistently been open with the second and third groups.
Lane’s primary job will likely be to serve as the team’s punt returner, but he has at least shown he can handle more responsibility, if necessary.
“He’s been very impressive,” Kingsbury said. “If you tell him how to do it one time, he usually nails it. If he makes a mistake, he’ll come back and get it corrected. Super, super talented, very fast.”
Although it would be more ideal for the Commanders to have their full arsenal to work with on offense, Kingsbury and his staff know that won’t always be the case. They want to have a solid backup option if one or several of their playmakers go down, and so far, Kingsbury likes what he has seen.
“I like the depth,” Kingsbury said. “I think they can all play in this league.”
Here are some more observations from Monday’s practice: