Commanders highlight Forbes, Ekeler, Davis, McCaffrey in camp

Four players stood out on Day 7 of Washington Commanders training camp as the team pushes toward the regular season.

This came after a stretch of closed practices where coaches emphasized individual development and roster evaluation. The Commanders are coming off a disappointing 4-13 season and a coaching overhaul that brought Dan Quinn from Dallas. Quinn’s system demands high energy, physical play, and quick decision-making—traits coaches are now prioritizing in camp. The standouts likely earned extra reps or favorable mentions in practice plans, signaling potential impact roles or roster locks.

Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, made multiple interceptions in team drills, continuing his strong camp run. His length and recovery speed have drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike. Running back Austin Ekeler, fresh off a tough season with the Chargers, flashed explosiveness in short-yardage situations, showing why he’s a candidate for goal-line work. On defense, linebacker Jamin Davis made a game-changing strip-sack in 11-on-11 drills, a needed spark after an injury-plagued 2023. Fourth-round rookie receiver Luke McCaffrey, son of NFL legend Ed McCaffrey, caught three passes in red zone work, hinting at special teams and situational value.

The performances come as the Commanders enter a critical stretch of training camp with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton next week. Coaches are finalizing the 53-man roster and assessing depth, especially on defense and special teams. The standouts could secure early-season roles, while others may be fighting for practice squad spots. The team’s focus on competition mirrors its rebuilding mindset, with every rep carrying weight as Washington eyes a bounce-back year under Quinn.