5 players to watch in Commanders’ joint practice with Patriots on Wednesday

The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots are scheduled for a joint practice on Wednesday. Here are five players to watch.

Finally, the Washington Commanders will enjoy a practice where they can hit the other team. On Wednesday, Washington is in Foxboro, Massachusetts, for a joint practice with the New England Patriots. It's a preview of sorts for Friday's preseason opener between the two teams from Gillette Stadium.

It's unlikely we'll see much of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the preseason opener, but we should see plenty of him in Wednesday's joint practice. The same goes for New England's second-year quarterback, Drake Maye.

Which players need a good showing during Wednesday's practice? We look at five players we are most interested in seeing against the Patriots, not necessarily five players who need a good day.

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Jul 23, 2025; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (32) catches a ball during practice on day one of training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Everyone wants to see "Bill" in action. Head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury both mentioned wanting to see the seventh-round rookie in live action against another team. This isn't a battle for a roster spot for Croskey-Merritt: he's close to being a roster lock. However, his performance during this practice and the ensuing preseason games could impact how much he'll be featured on offense early in the season.

WR Jaylin Lane

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA - NOVEMBER 30: Jaylin Lane #83 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs the ball for a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at Lane Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)

Another rookie draft pick, Jaylin Lane, has turned heads through the first two weeks of training camp. It will be interesting to see how much work he gets against New England and if he can make an impact. Lane can play in the slot or line up on the outside. His role is still to be determined. But with Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown still sidelined, these are critical reps for Lane and Luke McCaffrey.

EDGE Jacob Martin

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Jacob Martin (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

When the Commanders signed Martin, it went under the radar. The eight-year veteran has played for several teams, but has shown some pass-rush juice in limited snaps throughout his NFL career. Martin is in a battle with others for one of the final spots at defensive end/edge rusher. He had an excellent spring and has carried that over into training camp. It should be fun watching him go against the Patriots.

CB Trey Amos

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 05: Trey Amos #9 of the Mississippi Rebels reacts after making an interception in the fourth quarter during their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Trey Amos is yet another one of Washington's rookies we're excited to see. He's had a standout camp through two weeks and looks like a future No. 1 cornerback. Washington's entire secondary looks like a legitimate strength after struggling for a few years. The second-round pick has been around the ball all summer, coming away with multiple turnovers. It will be exciting to see him match up with another team. Amos's length and athleticism are outstanding.

S Tyler Owens

Sep 15, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders safety Tyler Owens (40) jogs off the field before the game against the New York Giants at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Luke Johnson-Imagn Images

The second-year safety made the team as an undrafted free agent last summer because of his size, physicality and elite athleticism. Owens can play, too. He was outstanding on special teams last summer and impressed every time he appeared on defense. The Commanders have lined him up with the starters several times in this training camp, and he always finds a way to stand out. While Owens will not start, Washington believes he'll make an impact on special teams and defense. Owens is one of Washington's most exciting players to watch.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 5 Commanders to watch in joint practice with Patriots

Category: Football