53-man roster projection ahead of final cuts

Training camp is over, and preseason is in the books. Now, all 32 NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.

The Washington Commanders wrapped up the preseason on Saturday after a 17-15 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. While the Commanders have most of their roster settled ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, a few positions are still up for grabs.

How many wide receivers would the Commanders keep? Remember that Washington’s first 53-man roster will be official Tuesday but could feature changes before Week 1 as other players are cut around the NFL.

Here is our final 53-man roster projection ahead of final cuts. Defensive end Chase Young is not listed as he will begin the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Quarterbacks (3)

Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) and Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks: Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, Sam Howell

This one is a no-brainer. The pecking order is Wentz, Heinicke and Howell. If things go as planned, Howell doesn’t take a snap all season, and Wentz turns his career around. If that happens, the Commanders are a playoff team.

Running backs (4)

Washington Commanders running back Jaret Patterson (32). Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Running backs: Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, Brian Robinson Jr., Jaret Patterson.

Sunday’s news that rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. was shot may have impacted Washington’s plans at running back. No one knows if the Commanders were only planning to keep three backs or if four was the plan all along. For now, we give Washington four backs, and Patterson makes it again in 2022.

Wide receivers (6)

Washington Commanders wide receiver Dax Milne (15). (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

Wide receivers: Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, Cam Sims, Dyami Brown, Dax Milne.

There are four locks in McLaurin, Samuel, Dotson and Sims. Brown was thought to be a lock, but he didn’t stand out in the preseason. Still, Brown’s status as a third-round pick in 2021 keeps him on the roster. The final battle was between Dax Milne and Alex Erickson. Both earned a spot, but Washington only keeps one, and that’s the younger Milne.

Tight end (4)

Washington Commanders tight end Armani…