The Washington Commanders are navigating a potential shift in their receiving corps, as Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin has requested a trade amid stalled contract negotiations. While the team recently acquired Deebo Samuel to add depth, McLaurin’s uncertain future provides an opportunity for other receivers to step up. Head coach Dan Quinn will be evaluating a group that includes veterans Noah Brown, Michael Gallup, and K.J. Osborn, as well as rookies Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane. Gallup offers experience and familiarity with Quinn from their time in Dallas, while Osborn is a dependable veteran who has filled in effectively in past seasons.
For the New England Patriots, a key to second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s development will be a more productive ground game. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson is looking to rebound after struggling with ball security in 2024, committing seven fumbles. New head coach Mike Vrabel has stated that returning players have a “fresh, clean slate” but emphasized that everyone must elevate their performance. The backfield also includes the re-signed Antonio Gibson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. A dynamic playmaker from Ohio State, Henderson brings significant intrigue and could challenge for a starting role with a strong preseason, potentially leapfrogging Gibson and Stevenson on the depth chart before Week 1.
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