Washington, D.C. – The Washington Commanders closed out their 2026 preseason on Friday with a 41-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. While the scoreline was lopsided, the game offered a clear picture of the roster depth and gave fans a glimpse of the talent that will shape the upcoming regular season.
Preseason roster strategy
The Commanders entered the contest with 41 players on the inactive list, preserving the majority of their starters for the earlier joint practices against the Ravens. Those practices allowed the core group to receive extensive repetitions, while the Friday night game served as an evaluation platform for reserves and younger players.
Rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis handled the offense for the first half, giving the coaching staff a chance to assess his poise under game conditions. In the second half, Sam Hartman took over signal‑calling duties, providing additional data on the depth chart at the quarterback position.
Fan sentiment remains positive
Outside the stadium, Commanders fans expressed confidence despite the heavy defeat. One supporter said, “I’m feeling confident about the team. I have no doubts,” while another highlighted the return of quarterback Jayden Daniels as a key factor in the team’s offensive outlook.
Optimism extended to the postseason as well. A fan declared, “We’re going to the Super Bowl, baby! As long as our defense holds up and our offense does their thing, I got the Super Bowl bus ready to go.” Such enthusiasm reflects a broader belief that the team’s defensive unit, which showed flashes of strength even against a full‑strength Ravens lineup, will be a cornerstone of success.
Upcoming schedule and roster cuts
With the preseason officially wrapped, the front office now faces the task of trimming the roster from 90 players to the final 53‑man squad over the weekend. The regular season begins in two weeks, when the Commanders travel to Philadelphia to open against the Eagles.
Fans will be watching closely as the team finalizes its lineup, particularly the depth on the offensive line and the health of key playmakers. While some concerns were raised about potential injuries and line depth, the overall mood among the Commanders’ faithful remains upbeat.
What’s next for Washington
The preseason loss, though stark, offers valuable data for coaching staff as they fine‑tune strategies and make final roster decisions. The emphasis now shifts to preparing the starting unit for the regular‑season opener and ensuring that the defensive unit maintains its promising form.
As the Commanders head into the final roster cuts, the community’s support underscores the deep connection between the team and its fan base—a bond that many believe will translate into on‑field success when the regular season kicks off.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
