Commanders Camp Chaos: JD5 Is Cooking, Diggs Is Learning, and the Kicking Game Is a Mess
The Washington Commanders are in the thick of camp in Ashburn, and it's been an absolute carnival of storylines. A star receiver still learning the system, a franchise QB reminding everyone why he's the future, and a kicking battle that's turning into a horror show. Here's the intel you need from the latest days of practice.
Jayden Daniels Is That Guy
Don't let the injury-riddled 2025 season fool you — Jayden Daniels looks like a man on a mission. On Monday, his first throw of full-team work was a deep dart to Dyami Brown down the right side. He also hit Stefon Diggs on a trusting throw to a spot, and his offensive coordinator David Blough had the highest praise possible: 'He's as accurate as he's ever been.' Daniels has been commanding the offense at the line, checking splits, adjusting protections, and generally looking like the alpha Washington believed it drafted.
Stefon Diggs: New Dog, Old Tricks
Diggs is taking the integration process seriously. He and Daniels had breakfast together before Monday's practice — chemistry building at the waffle house level. The four-time Pro Bowler has been walking through routes with receivers coach Bobby Engram after practice, trying to master the nuances of his new home. He made a couple of plays in team drills, and while he dropped one slant on Friday, that's a blip on the radar — he's been one of the most reliable hands in football. The Commanders are betting that Diggs' leadership and route-running elevate the entire room.
Injury Bug Bites Again
The 2026 camp has not been kind to the banged-up secondary. Top corner Trey Amos — who already missed time after a fractured fibula last November — left Monday's practice after rolling his ankle in a deep-ball rep against Terry McLaurin. The team says he's day-to-day, but you can already feel the sweat on Quinn's brow. Meanwhile, left tackle Laremy Tunsil exited Saturday with an apparent upper-body issue, and the team is holding its breath. With center Nick Allegretti (calf) and tight end John Bates (hamstring) also shelved, Washington is scrambling to patch holes — they've signed centers Trey Hill and Daniel Brunskill plus tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere just to keep the lines afloat.
The Kicking Battle Is a Dumpster Fire
Jake Moody was supposed to be the steady hand. Right now, he's rattled. Moody has missed 11 field goals in his last four practices, including four on Monday — from 44, 49, 51, and 55 yards. Rookie Drew Stevens isn't exactly seizing the job either, missing three Monday (43, 51, 55). The good news? Moody made 18-of-20 last season. The bad news? He's suddenly got a genuine camp fight on his hands, and repetition isn't curing him.
Young Blood, Old Soul
First-round pick Sonny Styles is making noise every single day — popping running backs, flying to the ball, and showing range in coverage. He's been a buzzsaw next to Frankie Luvu, and the defensive line is already hyping him. Meanwhile, rookie receiver Jaden Bradley (undrafted) is making plays with the backups, and Terry McLaurin is being the veteran mentor after practice, walking young receivers through coverages like a coach on the field.
Bottom Line
The Commanders are deep in camp drama, but there's real promise here. Daniels looks like a star, Diggs is getting comfortable, and even with injuries piling up, Quinn has this team competing like a pack of wild dogs. Whether the kicker can get right and the banged-up corners can heal, that's the real story to watch as preseason opens.