The White House said Saturday it would be “beautiful” to name the new stadium for Washington’s NFL team after President Trump following an ESPN report that an intermediary has told the Commanders‘ ownership group that he wants it to bear his name.
Mr. Trump could deliver the message in person on Sunday when he is expected to watch the Commanders play the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. American veterans are scheduled to be honored at halftime.
“That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible,” said Karoline Leavitt, press secretary for the Republican president.
A spokesperson for the Washington Commanders told The Associated Press in a text message that the team had no comment on the report. The office of the city’s mayor, Democrat Muriel Bowser, declined comment.
Under a deal announced in April between the team and the District of Columbia, the team will return to the nation’s capital in a new stadium expected to cost nearly $4 billion. It will be built on the site of the RFK Stadium, where the team played for more than three decades when it won three Super Bowls in the 1980s and 1990s. The team moved to Landover in 1997.
President Joe Biden signed a bill late last year to transfer land, which included that old stadium, from the federal government to the city. While the stadium is located on federal land, the city was given permission by Congress in January to control the property for 99 years.
The deal, with the team contributing $2.7 billion and the city investing roughly $1.1 billion for the stadium, housing, green space and a sports complex on land bordering the Anacostia River, was approved by the D.C. City Council in September, and demolition has begun.
Demolition on Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, 2025. The Washington Commanders are officially returning to the District of Columbia after a three-decade hiatus, with city officials approving a roughly $3.7 billion plan for a new stadium and mixed-use development on the grounds of RFK Stadium.
Kent Nishimura / Bloomberg via Getty Images
In July, Mr. Trump threatened to hold up the deal by insisting that the team change its name from the Commanders back to the Redskins, a name that was considered offensive to Native Americans. Despite the threat, the city council and the team were able to reach the framework of a deal a few days later.
“The Washington “Whatever’s” should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this,” Mr. Trump wrote in a July 20 social media post.
“OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!” the president added.
The team changed its name to the Commanders in 2020 under then-owner Dan Snyder, who sold the team in 2023 to a group led by Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris.
Mr. Trump has long enjoyed having his name appear on things from his career as a real estate developer, from high-rise buildings, hotels and golf courses to his branding deals that have seen Trump-emblazoned Bibles, watches and cologne.
President Donald Trump reportedly wants the new Washington Commanders football stadium to be named after himself, ESPN reports.
With efforts underway to build an updated Washington Commanders football stadium at the old RFK site in D.C., President Donald Trump allegedly wants the new facility named after himself, according to an ESPN report that broke Saturday.
Trump administration officials and a member of the Commanders’ ownership group have been engaged in backchannel discussions on the matter, a senior White House source told ESPN.
“That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a statement to ESPN.
The sports outlet says she declined to answer additional questions, but added, “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen.”
A Commanders spokesperson declined comment.
Trump is scheduled to attend the Commanders’ home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday; a team source told ESPN that while stakeholders expect to have conversations with Trump about the stadium name at the game, no formal discussions have taken place so far.
The Commanders do own the new stadium’s naming rights, presumably to be sold to a corporate sponsor. The final call will likely be made by the D.C. Council, which will lease the stadium to the Commanders, and the National Park Service, which manages the land on which the facility will be built.
The new stadium was first teased in April by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Commanders owner Josh Harris. Back in July, Trump said he would block the construction of the stadium if Harris did not change the team name from Commanders back to its former Redskins moniker. Regardless, in September, the stadium was officially approved with an 11-2 Council vote. It’s slated to be finished in 2030.
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President Donald Trump reportedly wants the new Washington Commanders football stadium at the old RFK Stadium site to be named after himself.
With efforts underway to build an updated Washington Commanders football stadium at the old RFK Stadium site in D.C., President Donald Trump allegedly wants the new facility named after himself, according to an ESPN report that broke Saturday.
Trump administration officials and a member of the Commanders’ ownership group have been engaged in backchannel discussions on the matter, a senior White House source told ESPN.
“That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a statement to ESPN.
The sports outlet says she declined to answer additional questions, but added, “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen.”
A Commanders spokesperson declined to comment. The office of the city’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, declined comment, according to The Associated Press.
Trump is scheduled to attend the Commanders’ home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday; a team source told ESPN that while stakeholders expect to have conversations with Trump about the stadium name at the game, no formal discussions have taken place so far.
The Commanders do own the new stadium’s naming rights, presumably to be sold to a corporate sponsor. The final call will likely be made by the D.C. Council, which will lease the stadium to the Commanders, and the National Park Service, which manages the land on which the facility will be built.
Former President Joe Biden signed a bill in January that transferred the land that had the old stadium from control of the federal government to the District.
The new stadium was first teased in April by Bowser and Commanders owner Josh Harris. Back in July, Trump said he would block the construction of the stadium if Harris did not change the team name from Commanders back to its former Redskins moniker. Regardless, in September, the stadium was officially approved with an 11-2 council vote. It’s slated to be finished in 2030.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Jayden Daniels was being dragged down by a defender when he stuck his left arm out and put his hand on the ground.
That’s when a dismal night for the Washington Commanders turned downright horrifying.
Daniels’ nonthrowing arm bent gruesomely, and the star quarterback had to leave Washington’s 38-14 loss to Seattle on Sunday night with 7:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. It’s the third — and perhaps the most significant — injury of the season for Daniels, who was in his first game back from a hamstring issue.
“It’s really tough to see him go down. You just want him to stay positive,” Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “You don’t know what the result is. You just speak a lot of positivity into existence. He’s a very positive person so we’re just praying for the best.”
AP AUDIO: Jayden Daniels leaves game after Washington QB’s nonthrowing arm bends gruesomely
The NFL’s reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year exited with a significant injury late during a lopsided defeat. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh reports.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels injured his elbow. That was about the extent of the postgame update. Quinn didn’t have much of an explanation for why Daniels was still in the game. Washington was trailing 38-7 at the time.
“Obviously like the hindsight, you don’t want to think that way, where an injury could take place,” Quinn said. “Obviously we’re more conservative in that spot to run and hand off and not have reads to go, but just the end result — obviously, I’m bummed.”
In addition to the hamstring injury, Daniels also missed two games earlier this season with knee issues.
Although an injury to Daniels’ non-throwing arm isn’t necessarily career altering, Commanders fans could hardly be blamed for immediately fearing the worst. It was on this same field about 13 years ago — against the same opponent — that Robert Griffin III went down with a severe knee injury at the end of his sensational rookie season for Washington. He never reached those heights again.
The Commanders fell behind early Sunday and trailed 31-7 at halftime, and Daniels had to do plenty of scrambling. He ended up running for 51 yards on 10 carries, and the injury underscored the risk in doing that.
“I think that’s his nature. He wants to be aggressive and make plays,” Quinn said. “He’s got confidence in the other players. I do know that. So it’s not like, ‘I have to do more, I have to do things that are outside of playing in that way.’ We also have to have everybody. Injuries happen and you hate it.”
As a rookie last season, Daniels led Washington to the NFC championship game — its best season since 1991. Now the Commanders are 3-6 after four straight losses. If the season can be salvaged, it may have to be with Marcus Mariota at quarterback.
During those moments when Daniels was slow to get up, however, it was the long-term future that seemed like the bigger issue.
“I didn’t see what happened exactly. I just heard a pause and I kind of put my head down and prayed for him,” Commanders guard Sam Cosmi said. “You just don’t want to see that happen.”
Travis Kelce tied a franchise mark for total touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs used a second-half surge to trounce the injury-riddled Washington Commanders on Monday night, 28-7.
Kelce notched the 83rd touchdown of his career on a 10-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in the third quarter. He had 80 touchdown catches, two rushing touchdowns and one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. He tied Priest Holmes with the milestone.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is congratulated by teammate Creed Humphrey (52) after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The touchdown also added Kelce to an exclusive club with other legendary tight ends. He joined Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham as the only other tight ends in NFL history with at least 80 touchdown catches. Counting the playoffs, Kelce has 100 touchdown catches in his career.
Kansas City went up 21-7 after the score and really never looked back from there.
Kelce had six catches for 99 yards as Kansas City has yet to have a 100-yard receiver this season. Mahomes was 25-of-34 with 299 passing yards, three touchdown passes and two interceptions.
Kareem Hunt had two touchdowns in the game as well – one rushing and one receiving. Rashee Rice had the other receiving touchdown.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The Commanders were playing without Jayden Daniels and George Fant as well as key defensive figures in Noah Igbinoghene and Ale Kaho.
Marcus Mariota started for Daniels again and had the Commanders in pretty good position to get an advantage. Mariota found Terry McLaurin for an 11-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. McLaurin used a nifty toe tap to secure the touchdown.
Coming out of halftime, the Commanders’ offense was nowhere to be found. Washington only had one offensive possession in the third quarter and were susceptible to punts in the fourth.
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin catches a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
It was far from the type of play that was needed to beat the defending AFC champion Chiefs.
Joe Jacoby, former offensive tackle for Washington’s NFL franchise and three-time Super Bowl champion, advanced in consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Joe Jacoby, former offensive tackle for Washington’s NFL franchise and three-time Super Bowl champion, advanced in consideration for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class on Thursday.
Jacoby was one of 52 in the seniors category and he made the cut to one of 34. In four weeks, that number will be cut down to nine semifinalists and then to 3 who will be considered for the Class of 2026.
Washington signed Jacoby, 66, as an undrafted free agent after his college career at the University of Louisville in 1981. He went on to play in the league for 13 years, retiring after the 1993 season. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time first-team All-Pro.
Jacoby spoke to D.C.-area sports and entertainment producer Joe Yasharoff and shared his reaction to moving onto to the next round.
“I’ve been down this road once before. It’s exciting, yes. I’m honored. The thing I’m honored about … I look how old I am. I started back in 1981. And I’m still getting people who still remember the name and what I did, and stuff Iike that.” he said.
Jacoby has been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame three times before but did not advance further. Although he is excited to be in the running again, he doesn’t want to get his hopes up just yet.
“You would hope sooner or later because of my resume and stuff, they would give me a little bit bigger crack in that door to get in, but we’ll see what happens this time around,” Jacoby said.
He wished good luck to former teammate running back Brian Mitchell and linebacker London Fletcher, who were also named among the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 128 Modern-era nominees for the Class of 2026.
Jacoby got emotional as he shared what making it into the Hall of Fame would mean to him.
“You look at where I came from — I do, and to see that now I’m included into that shrine, or whatever you want to call it. It’s kind of neat,” he said.
Jacoby’s final message: Thanking the fans who helped him get to where he is today.
“Just being the fans that they are, they’re the ones that help us get to where we are in those Super Bowls and stuff. I couldn’t have done what I did without them being behind us.”
Two sports architecture firms that designed stadiums in Los Angeles and Minneapolis are hoping to leave their mark in D.C. with the new home of the Washington Commanders.
Two sports architecture firms that designed stadiums in Los Angeles, Dallas, Las Vegas and elsewhere are hoping to leave their mark in D.C. by creating the new home of the Washington Commanders.
Demolition is ongoing at the site of the old RFK Stadium as team and city leaders hold talks with firms HKS and HNTB, sources told WTOP.
HNTB built Allegiant Stadium for the Las Vegas Raiders and Levi’s Stadium for the San Francisco 49ers. HKS is the firm behind SoFi Stadium, home of the LA Rams and Chargers; U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings; and AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Last weekend, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was at the Commanders game in Dallas. She told NBC Washington part of the purpose of her trip was to check out the stadium.
“We know that we need a stadium that’s going to take advantage of our great views, be a stadium that we can use year-round and have a great fan experience,” Bowser said.
The D.C. Council last month approved the $3.7 billion stadium deal, giving the green light for the redevelopment of the 180-acre RFK campus. In addition to the stadium, the project aims to bring entertainment, retail, restaurants, housing and more to the campus.
According to the city’s timeline, construction on the Commanders stadium is slated to begin in fall 2027, with an expected opening in 2030.
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The Washington Commanders fell 44-22 to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, dropping to 3-4 just seven games into a disappointing 2025 season.
However, the biggest concern to emerge from the game was the status of star quarterback Jayden Daniels, who suffered a hamstring injury in the second half and did not return.
On Monday, Daniels underwent an MRI, and shortly after, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn provided an update, revealing that the injury is not considered serious or long-term.
That said, the Commanders are scheduled to face the Kansas City Chiefs on “Monday Night Football” next week, and Daniels’ status for that matchup will not be determined for a few days. With Washington sitting at 3-4 overall, every game carries major playoff implications.
“Jayden Daniels underwent an MRI today, and the good news is that Dan Quinn said it did not show anything significant and is not considered a long-term injury,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
“However, it’s uncertain if Daniels will be able to play next Monday night against Kansas City. Clearly, Dan Quinn didn’t want to say much more than that. I still think it would be a surprise, based on watching him walk off the field yesterday, if he were out there next Monday night. If he can’t start, Marcus Mariota would.”
Daniels has already missed multiple weeks this season due to a knee injury he sustained earlier, and while he was out, Mariota helped keep the team afloat with his veteran experience.
Still, heading to Arrowhead Stadium for a primetime showdown will be an extremely tall task for Mariota, especially if the Commanders are still without star wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin, both of whom missed the game against the Cowboys.
Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 21 of 30 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns.
Here’s everything he said to the media after the game:
On the bandage on his hand entering the press conference
“It’s nothing. Just to take the swelling down. I usually throw my left hand to cover the ball when I get hit, and it usually takes a lot of helmets. Nothing unusual, honestly.”
On today’s offensive game
“It was great, explosive and fun. We saw the big plays and saw some drives that we put together. Our standards and expectations that we have for ourselves is very high, so we understand we’ve got the guys, the playmakers and the offensive line. The love that we have, you see it with the way the guys finish plays. Guys cover the ball, and the defense played very well tonight. When you do that, I think more of our games are going to look like this.
On how hard it is to stay patient during offensive plays
“It’s not hard. I’m a very present guy and I take pride in doing that, and it’s something that I practice. I do that by trying to play it play-by-play, each and every play and going through my reads. I know we talked about it earlier in the week, when you all are asking, ‘How do you not force it to those guys?’ And I say that’s on the coaches and we have multiple playmakers. Those are two dudes [CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens], and the other guys are as well. My point is wherever the ball goes, I’m confident when it leaves my hands that it’s going to be caught and a play is going to be made. After that, if that guy has a chance. When those two guys get it, it can be very explosive. I just want to stay on the field. That’s the other part that allows me to stay patient. I’m not trying to put the ball in harm’s way and throw an interception and then we’re sitting on the sideline. I want to be on the field playing this game.”
On the touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb
“It wasn’t the route we were expecting. It built for him to run a deep cross right there. I go through read one, which was George [Pickens], then I see the big window where if he would’ve ran that route, he would’ve had a great play, not a touchdown. I looked to find CeeDee, and he’s got his hands up saying, ‘I’m here.’ At that point, I saw the safety or the corner to the right. I just put about everything I had on the line, understanding that I could just lob it up and both guys would be able to make a play and try to give them a chance. He took a good job taking two steps back and catching the ball and walked into the end zone. Once again, it was a play that’s not made unless you have confidence in the guy you’re throwing to and that guy is smart and understands the defense, understands the look, and understands he can take the opportunity. We were able to capitalize on that.”
On if he’s proud of the 13 touchdowns in the last four games or ball security
“I’m not sure. I think they go hand-in-hand to be honest. When you take care of the ball, you have more opportunities to score touchdowns, and that’s leading to that. Not counting the touchdowns, probably the interceptions being true. I couldn’t tell you how many touchdowns it was, but I can tell you that I hadn’t thrown an interception. I’m trying to be smart with it, but not hesitant, scared or cautious at the same time. I have tons of confidence in what I can do, where I can put it, and the guys that I’m throwing it to, so that’s just a result of that.”
On DaRon Bland’s pick-six giving him flashbacks of the 2023 season
“Right before, we called the group up, right up before pregame. I told DB yesterday that they throw the ball to him as much as they throw it to anybody. It was pretty cool to see that he got an interception and a touchdown. I put that juju up into the air, manifested it, and he went and did what DB does.”
On his success against Washington and if today was different
“I guess it was similar. I haven’t played them with the new DQ [head coach Dan Quinn] with Joe Whitt and the personnel they have on that team, but it was fun. I was confident with what I was seeing when you play them. Even with the new coaches, that’s a group that I’ve played against every day for three or four years or so. Understanding what they’re going to do and what they’re going to try to do. They got to us in the second quarter a little bit, a couple of drives we didn’t score. I got frustrated, but I know our standard and I knew that we knew we could run away with this game and we were trying to do it too fast. For me, it was focusing the guys in and taking it play-by-play like the scores were going to come. You hit that big play to CeeDee and everyone thinks let’s do that every play, and that just doesn’t happen. It was about just getting the guys focused, back engaged and understanding what they were going to give us. I think everybody did a good job on attacking them.”
On the next step with his play with Lamb on the offensive end
“Next step? Next game. To quantify it, I’m not really sure. It’s the next game, that’s what’s important for us and to us. Honestly, it’s Wednesday practice. Those guys aren’t by any means complacent or great and settled with what they’ve done. They want the ball. They have high expectations, we have high expectations for each other. Who knows that the next game is. I haven’t truly looked at the stats. I know GP [George Pickens] said he was a little short of 100, but my point being is who knows what we can accomplish. The sky is the limit. We’re just going to stay focused each and every day at getting better and growing our connection. Guess that’s the next step to continue to communicate to one another. Understanding why CeeDee took that, but talk about that beforehand so when it happens, it’s a bit faster.”
On his immense trust for Pickens in any one-on-one situation
“Yeah, I do. I threw one in the third quarter, and that’s a miss. I take that as a miss because of the way that guy’s able to play the ball in the air when I don’t give him a fair chance at it. I’m going to put that on myself. I know the first one I threw to him was a little underthrown and a little outside, but he goes and makes an unbelievable catch. Late hands in it, holding it off. And then, the one that led to the touchdown right before the first half. I just put that one out there and kept [Marshon] Lattimore in his back pocket and let it fall in. He has a great natural ability of late hands in the ball and holding the defender off, and that makes my job easier. The trust is through the roof.”
On the defense continuing to force turnovers
“For sure they can sustain this. They just did this with a lot of adversity. A lot of credit to them. A lot of guys were out, and the guys that got to play stepped up. That’s awesome to see. That’s credit to them, I’m proud of them, the coaches and everybody for buckling down and answering through the noise and the adversity. They’re not naïve to what they’ve been doing and to what everybody’s saying. They answered the bell. I most definitely think they can continue this. The energy is electric, and for us on offense, all we want to do is repay them and go score touchdowns.”
On running back Javonte Williams opening up the play action
“It’s huge. I’ve talked about it going back to the spring how important the run game is. It helps with the box count. You can run the game. They’ve got to load it. We can run the ball. They’ve got to load the box, and then you can take advantage of outside with the one-on-ones. Te’s [Javonte Williams] a very smart runner, obviously, but physical, patient and just does a hell of a job. It starts with the offensive line, them creating holes, and he knows where he needs to go and how he needs to set it up. That’s only gonna make us continue to get better, the more success we have on the ground.”
“A lot of gratitude. I’m somebody who appreciates the history before them, the men who have played this game, that wore this uniform and particularly played this position and dealt with the success, the adversity. Roger’s [Roger Staubach] been a guy who from the day that I’ve got here has been so supportive. I remember my rookie year I was asked to sign a ball for him for his Christmas gift that his daughters were giving him, and that was one of those welcome to the NFL, pinch-me type moments for myself. Just as the years have grown, I mean he said it right there. I’ve got your support. I’m always pulling for you. I don’t want to bother you. I’m like, ‘Roger you’re never gonna bother me.’ Please. It’s something that I don’t take for granted, blessed to have his support. Being a Cowboys fan, seeing all those players down there, all it’s going to do is push you a little bit more. Love the history of this team, love everything that they’ve done, and as I told you before, I’m trying to chase a lot of those men and win a championship.”
On what he’s learned about his team through seven games
“We’re gonna keep fighting. We’re gonna keep fighting, and as I alluded to last week, we’re gonna find a way to win some of these close games. I know this one wasn’t necessarily in the fourth quarter, going back and forth, but that’s the difference. We’re gonna win some games like this, but when we flip the switch and we win those close games, a resilient group that loves one another. That’s gonna stick together and is explosive and we’re gonna play complementary ball more and more each week.”
On trusting Pickens
“When I throw a ball like that, it’s 80 to 90% chance of gaining yards at that point. And that’s why I say that one in the third quarter, I just didn’t quite give him a chance. That’s on me because there might be a PI [pass interference] or he might make one of those grabs that he’s been making so tons of confidence. They’ve resulted in, as you said, 135 yards of penalties and how many have they resulted in yards for him. It’s a very successful play for us, and if they’re gonna give it to us, we’re gonna keep attacking it.”
On his feeling on where the team is
“I was about to say I’m OK with where we’re at, but I guess I am. I have be, right? That’s the reality of it. We’re getting past the point where you can say it’s early and we’ve got ourselves in a position to compete and that’s most important. Nobody cares about your records in September, October. It’s November, December and on that really matters, so I think we’ve put ourselves in a great position. So we put ourselves in the position that we shouldn’t and we don’t need to be looking at what other teams are doing and watching their records. We need to put our head down and go to work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and get better and understand that we control what we want to control, then it’s all in front of us. Being 3-3-1 we’re in a good spot. We’re right where we need to be playing a game like this that was so complementary on both sides of the ball. I don’t know how anybody in that locker room can’t have confidence and excited to get to work tomorrow.”
On if Pickens and Lamb are his best wide receiver tandem
“It’s up to y’all to decide. Dez [Bryant] was just in there, too, so don’t say that too loud. Those dudes are unbelievable. They are and that’s credit to them. That’s credit to the way they show up and work each and every day. That’s credit to the standard that they have for themselves. That’s credit to the love they have for one another, the way that they push one another. They definitely are.”
On the reason for his impressive four-game stretch
“A lot of things coming together. It’s all the work that I’ve put into this. Personally, a lot of offseason work to the team getting together in the spring, to training camp. Success through these last few games is just only growing the confidence. I know who I am. I feel great throwing the ball. When you got pass catchers like those two guys, CeeDee, Turp [KaVontae Turpin], [Jalen] Tolbert, Flo [Ryan Flournoy] that are making plays and taking advantage of their opportunities whenever they come. I’m just gonna keep pushing myself to get better. You’ve been around, you understand that, that’s all I want to do. It’s not about the results. It’s about how great can I be and how much better can I get from one day to the next. So I’m as excited as anybody to get in there tomorrow and clean up mistakes from this one and push forward and get ready for the next game.”
On if this is the most fun he’s had
“I don’t know if I have. Not a knock to any other group that I’ve been a part of, but the chemistry, the camaraderie, the trash talking, the emotions and passion of this unit. It’s there as much as I’ve ever seen it. Sure, we’ve got some youth that’s probably a big part of it. But we’ve got guys who just work their tails off every day, and I say it all the time, confidence is earned. You don’t just wake up and say, yeah, I know I can do this. No, you gotta go do that, prove it to yourself and then you feel good about talking about it and walking the walk. So this group practices the right way, and they’ve earned the confidence and they go out there and we play with it and it’s fun. It really is fun. It’s in a collaborative effort, and it’s not about me. It’s not about any one person in that group. It’s about the way that we all play for one another, doing our one-eleventh each play and seeing what the result is afterwards.”
On hearing about what Lamb and Pickens have said about his hot streak and what that means to them
“It’s awesome. It’s something I don’t take for granted, but they’re not telling y’all anything that they don’t tell me. We’re out there on the field, and they’re telling me that I’m the best to do it. They know how important that is, and they want me to take those heat checks and throw it to them. That just reminded me to give them a chance. That’s the love that I’m talking about and the expectations and the standard that I’ve alluded to when I say that we all believe in one another. We understand that we can only do so much alone, but together, we’re a hell of a group.”
On playing Commanders QB Jayden Daniels and if the Cowboys’ offense could be considered one of the most dangerous in the league come December
“Yeah, I don’t see why not. I mean that’s definitely our standard and something that we talk about as a group. It’s not necessarily putting pressure on us, but it’s just the way that we work and the players that we have. With good fortune and good health, I don’t see why this group won’t be one of the best. Yeah, for Jayden, a young player. Obviously, I watched him last year all throughout the year, especially in my time being hurt. Very talented, throws the ball super fast. His stop-and-go is ridiculous, him and [Ravens QB Lamar Jackson] both, right? I wish I had that. I mean I ran to the sideline one play and somebody grabbed me, and I was scared, I didn’t know what was going to happen. But point being, I wish I could slow down and speed up like that and put defenders on skates. Impressive player. I know he’s getting coached by the right man over there, and he’ll only get better and better.”
On who won the pregame dance off between backup QB Joe Milton and Pickens
“I think Joe was really setting the stage, giving the alley oop to George. He was just the opening act for George. I won’t say there’s a winner. That was just a cool moment. The energy was great in pregame. Lot of guys were just dancing throughout pregame. Usually they’re waiting for me to make a speech at that point. I was just like, ‘Hey, let’s keep dancing.’ I’d say maybe Joe won, ‘cause I just threw him out here. Like, hey Joe, start dancing. He took the lead, got it going and then GP jumped in. That was really just a way to tell guys to stay loose. Like play free, you’re confident. I see it, I feel it. You’ve earned that. Stay right here where we are, let’s play for the brother next to us, and that’s exactly what the group went out and did.”
On what it says about this group to have that kind of moment right before kickoff
“That’s just who we are. If you’re around the guys throughout the locker room, at practice, I mean that’s just who we are. That was more of a moment, I guess, for you guys than anything. That’s George, Joe, CeeDee, everybody. myself, I even tried to at times, I’m getting better at dancing. That’s just part of practice and part of the energy that we carry into our workday. It was cool just do it before a game. That’s my point of just be the same guys that we are at practice. We put in the right work, we do it with the right intentions. So you should have fun when you’re doing that. Schottenheimer always mentions that. Sunday is a celebration. It’s a celebration of all the hard work that we put in throughout the week. No reason to play tight. Be free, let it go and fly around. Everybody did that, not just offense, but the whole team.”
On his pregame outfit and his thoughts on tight end Jake Ferguson’s performance (two TDs)
“Yeah, super proud of Jake. Obviously, I know how frustrating and hard I guess last season was throughout the year, not getting a touchdown, and even those first couple of games. It’s a guy that works as hard as anybody, and speaking of just intentions, being very intentional on his routes and his blocking and making sure he’s communicating with me on certain routes and where do I want him to be and what do I expect from him. It’s no surprise, and I’m super proud of him. He told me he had ordered the jersey [Prescott’s high school jersey]. I didn’t know it came in already, and I didn’t know he was going to wear it to the game. What was great was that we just happened to walk into the stadium together, so when I saw it, got hyped.”
On if he expects other wide receivers to start wearing more of the jerseys
“I told him pregame, listen I’m definitely throwing you some. I’m definitely getting you a couple. Thankful that the defense allowed him to get a couple touchdowns, and Schotty’s play calling, so it all worked out. But, yeah, it was cool. He’s a hell of a player, as I’ve mentioned before, and he’s only getting better each and every game. The touchdowns are going to keep rolling.”
This story was originally published October 19, 2025 at 11:50 PM.
Jim Barnes is the Star-Telegram’s sports editor. A Fort Worth native and graduate of Castleberry High School, he returned to Texas after 13 years at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He previously was sports editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald and a freelance high school sports reporter for The Dallas Morning News.
The Washington Commanders fell to 3-4 this season with Sunday’s 44-22 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys, but the game wasn’t the team’s biggest loss of the evening.
Early in the third quarter, second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels exited the game after taking a hard hit from Cowboys linebacker Shemar James that ended up tweaking the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year’s hamstring.
Though head coach Dan Quinn told reporters after the game that Daniels wanted to go back in — a decision that means next to nothing (see CeeDee Lamb, who missed three games with an ankle injury after claiming he could’ve played the following week) — one prominent sports doctor believes Daniels, who’s schedule for an MRI on Monday, is set to miss some time.
Former NFL team doctor and Sirius XM and Fox Sports Radio injury expert David Chao stated he believed Daniels’ hamstring injury could be severe enough to sideline him for at least a game, if not longer.
“Everyone’s question now is how much time? How much time [will he miss]?” Chao said. “Honestly, too early to tell. An MRI is a Grade 1, 2 or 3, but the way that Washington has treated him with his previous left knee is conservative. … Even if it’s Grade 1, you don’t want to turn a mild hamstring into a moderate, more severe one and miss more time.
“… I think he’s going to unfortunately miss some time. Is it going to be IR? I certainly hope not. … As we say, there’s really no such thing as a one-week hamstring strain. Look at Lamar Jackson; if you’re going to be out, you’re going to be out.”
Jackson has been a cautionary tale of sorts for hamstring injuries this season.
The Baltimore Ravens QB suffered what was considered a mild hamstring injury in the team’s 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.
The severity of Jackson’s injury was downplayed as not being severe enough to warrant a stint on IR, but he hasn’t played in a month, and is status for Baltimore’s Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears next weekend is still uncertain.
If Daniels does miss any time, Marcus Mariota will be back under center.
The former No. 1 overall pick struggled in relief of Daniels on Sunday, completing just 4 of 10 passes for 63 yards and a pick-6.
In two starts earlier this season, Mariota threw for 363 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while leading the Commanders to a 1-1 record.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has missed each of his team’s last three games since suffering a quad injury in Week 3’s 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
McLaurin was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice. But on Thursday, the 30-year-old WR was downgraded to a non-participant as the Commanders prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
In the wake of this downgrade for McLaurin, the Commanders are reportedly signing a new wide receiver option.
Treylon Burks is expected to sign with the Commanders’ practice squad with a high likelihood of a quick elevation, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
“Sources: Former #Titans first-round WR Treylon Burks is expected to sign with the #Commanders practice squad, with an elevation likely coming quickly. Burks had visited Washington and the #Broncos. A low-risk, high-reward addition, Burks played in a similar offense in college,” Rapoport reported on X.
Rapoport tempered expectations in a follow-up post, casting doubt on Burks’ availability for Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Cowboys.
“The timing is is fortuitous, given the #Commanders severe depth issues at WR. That said, hard to imagine Burks would be ready to play so quickly. But moving forward, an intriguing option,” Rapoport added.
Burks entered the league as a first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2022. He was taken with the pick acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in a blockbuster draft-day trade for star wideout A.J. Brown.
The former Arkansas standout put together his best performance in his rookie season, reeling in 33 catches for 444 yards and one touchdown through 11 games.
The Commanders’ wide receiver depth chart is very thin at this point in the season. Veteran pass-catcher Deebo Samuel is dealing with a nagging heel injury, making him questionable to take the field in Week 7. On Wednesday, the team placed WR Noah Brown on injured reserve, holding him out for at least the next four games with groin and knee injuries.
Sunday’s Week 7 matchup against the Cowboys will kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET.
You’d think the Eagles would’ve taken things personally after coming up short to the Denver Broncos at home. Losing 21-17 in Week 5. A short week that would see their second NFC East match of the season, against a 1-4 Giants squad that just struggled to keep a close game against the New Orleans Saints. The opportunity to go 5-1 was right in front of them.
And then disaster struck.
Injuries On Injuries On Injuries
Jalen Carter was held out of Thursdays game as a precaution. An unfortunate pre-game loss but it shouldn’t have been as detrimental to the team as it was. Hopefully the Week 7 injury report comes with good news for his availability against Minnesota.
Add on top of that a Quinyon Mitchell hamstring injury held him out for the remainder of the game (we’re still waiting on an update for Week 7).
With Landon Dickerson finally being given much needed time off to recover from a plethora of injuries. The Eagles aren’t looking as healthy as they did for last seasons run.
Another Week Of Sloppy Offense
The Eagles can’t seem to pick which quarter they struggle the most in. From 3 points in the 2nd half of week 1. 7 points in the first half against the Rams, and only 7 points in the 2nd half against the Buccaneers and Broncos. The Eagles were shutout against the Giants and were picked off the first time in the 4th quarter of Week 6.
If the Eagles plan on winning more games, they’ll need to get the offense in a more consistent rhythm that is able to score more than 17 points against some of the best (and worst) defenses.
A Weekend Of Successful Hate Watches.
While the Eagles dropped an important division game against a bottom feeder Giants team. That didn’t stop more teams in the NFC from also having very unfortunate ends to their Week 6 matches.
The Cowboys fell to 2-3-1 as Rico Dowdle stacked up 239 total yards against his former team.
The 49ers(4-2)lost their 2nd game to the Buccaneers(5-1), but both teams racked up more injuries, including Fred Warner & Emeka Egbuka.
The unstoppable Lions were held to only 17 points to a Chiefs team that started the year 0-2.
The Bears struggled to take down the Commanders, but a late 4th Quarter fumble gave the Bears the opportunity to come out on top.
After a very long week being disappointed in an Eagles loss. They still finish Week 6 atop the NFC East with a 1 game lead on the Commanders.
A wet and wild Monday night game between the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders turned into a thriller between two of the NFL’s oldest franchises.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels fumbled a handoff late in the fourth quarter and allowed the Bears’ defense to recover. Caleb Williams and D’Andre Swift led the offense down the field to set up a Jake Moody field goal attempt. It was Moody’s first day on the roster as the team signed him to replace an injured Cairo Santos.
Chicago Bears kicker Jake Moody (16) celebrates the game-winning field goal with punter Tory Taylor (19) after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Moody, with three seconds left and a steady mist coming down, nailed a 38-yard field goal to give the Bears the 25-24 win. Chicago improved to 3-2 with the win and the Commanders fell to 3-3.
The Bears jumped out to an early 13-0 lead in the first half. Moody was seemingly in good form. He nailed two field goals and Caleb Williams ran for a touchdown to start the second quarter.
The Commanders cut into the Bears’ lead when Daniels threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Chris Moore. Washington got more points on the board after an eight-play, 25-yard drive in the third quarter, which ended with a Matt Gay field goal.
After Moody hit his third field goal of the night, the Bears’ offense went quiet.
Daniels led back-to-back scoring drives at the end of the third quarter and to start the fourth. He found Luke McCaffrey for a 33-yard touchdown pass and then fired a 6-yard touchdown to Zach Ertz.
Williams and the Bears didn’t stay down too long. The second-year quarterback hit Swift on a short pass. Swift made a few Commanders defenders miss and scampered for a 55-yard touchdown. Chicago missed out on a 2-point conversion and was down two points.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs away from Washington Commanders nose tackle Daron Payne (94) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Moody was on point with his field-goal tries, despite one getting blocked.
He was cut by the San Francisco 49ers only a few weeks into the 2025 season, despite having a place in the record books during Super Bowl LVIII.
Moody turned around and etched his name into the Bears’ record books, making the most field goals in a Bears debut with four, according to ESPN.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
“It’s always good to have a fresh start. I always believed in myself, believed in my teammates. Shoutout to (long snapper Scott Daly) and (holder Tory Taylor). They made the operation really easy on me. The same with the (offensive) line up front, protecting great on that last one. You can’t draw it up any better,” he told ESPN’s Lisa Salters.
Williams was 17-of-29 with 252 passing yards and a touchdown pass. He completed passes to eight different receivers. Swift led the team with two catches for 67 yards. Luther Burden III had four catches for 51 yards.
Swift had 14 carries for 108 yards as well.
Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) tackles Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass in front of Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (55) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Four of the Jacksons, from left, Tito, Michael, Marlon on drums, and Randy, are shown performing during their Victory Tour concert at RFK Stadium in D.C., on Sept. 22, 1984.
(AP Photo/Bill Auth)
19/25
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is shown after its transformation from a baseball field for the Washington Nationals to a soccer field for D.C. United, Tuesday, April 5, 2005, in D.C. In a unique setup to placate both MLB and MLS, crews are working furiously to convert RFK Stadium from a ballpark to a soccer pitch so D.C. United can play its home games. The infield dirt was gone and 35 sections of stands had been moved along a set of rails in the outfield. About 20 changeovers will have to happen this season, costing an estimated $40,000 for each one-way conversion.
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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A lot of fans who watched the Commanders lose to the Falcons are giving the Burgundy and Gold a pass.
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George’s Game Notes: Commanders lose against the Falcons
A lot of fans of the Burgundy and Gold caught a case of the ‘Sunday scaries’ as they watched The Washington Commanders stumble on the road against The Atlanta Falcons, losing 34-27.
Now after week four of the season, Washington is 2-2, and with quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin both sitting on the sidelines, a lot of fans watching the game in Bethesda, Maryland, at Caddies on Cordell were giving the team a pass.
“I’m going to tell you this: when your quarterback is out and your No. 1 wide receiver is out, it’s going to be what it is,” said Jermaine Brown. “You got to have faith, it’s still early in the season.”
Someone who didn’t mind pointing the blame, was Caroline Cole.
“I think the defense didn’t show up,” said Cole, a Burgundy and Gold fan, who said she’s had season tickets since before she had her driver’s license.
“Last week we were on fire, and this week they couldn’t even make a tackle,” Cole added.
The one thing all of the fans WTOP spoke with at Caddies agreed on: things would get better when No. 5 was back on the field.
“If Jayden gets back out there and we’re healthy, I think we can win every single game we face this year,” said Commanders fan Tommy Branthover.
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The Atlanta Falcons (in black) scored on their first three possessions of the game. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The Atlanta Falcons hosted the Washington Commanders in what quickly became a must-win game following Atlanta’s 30-0 loss in Charlotte last week. In only the second home game of the season, the Falcons managed to score 34 points in a seven-point victory over the Commanders. Go figure.
The final offensive possession for Atlanta displayed the potential this team has. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix ran for a first down, completed passes to tight end Kyle Pitts and Drake London, and commanded (pun intended)the offense like a veteran.
Sunday was Penix’s seventh career start.
An Atlanta Falcons fan wearing a Tony Gonzalez jersey before Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The Commanders entered the game on a four-game winning streak against the Falcons. Former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders defeated the Falcons in Landover, Maryland, last season. This season, Washington is looking for a bit more motivation with former Falcons starting quarterback Marcus Mariota starting under center for the Commanders, with Jayden Daniels out.
The Falcons began the game by scoring on their first two possessions of the first quarter. The total time of possession and the usage of Bijan Robinson and Drake London were the highlights of the opening 15 minutes. The Falcons had the ball for 12:27 of the first quarter. During those two possessions, which ended in a 38-yard field goal for Parker Romo and a 5-yard touchdown catch for London from quarterback Michael Penix, Falcons offensive coordinator Zach Robinson mixed the playcalling up well. London had four receptions on that second possession, Robinson had 39 yards rushing on nine carries during the first quarter, and tight end Kyle Pitts caught a pass for a first down.
A Washington Commanders fan is on his way to the game on Sunday. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Washington, coming off a win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week, finally got the ball back late in the first quarter and began the second quarter with a touchdown drive that ended with a Mariota pass to receiver Luke McCaffrey for the Commanders’ first score of the game.
Ahead 17-10 following a 43-yard field goal by the Commanders, the Falcons’ offense was back on the field with 5:24 remaining in the first half. For the first time in the game, the Falcons failed to score a point during an offensive possession.
The Atlanta Falcons lead at the half, 17-10. It was a far cry from the scoreless performance against the Carolina Panthers a week earlier.
The Falcons’ defense started the second half by giving up a 16-yard play on a first and 30 in Washington’s territory. The Commanders dragged out a long offensive possession that included a Mariota run for 15 yards and a 52-yard field goal from kicker Matt Gay to pull closer at 17-13. That drive ate up nearly five minutes.
The Falcons answered that score with a touchdown drive that took two plays: a screen pass from Penix to Robinson for 69 yards and a seven-yard touchdown reception by Pitts.
Falcons rookie safety Xavier Watts intercepted a Mariota pass midway through the third quarter to put the ball back in the hands of Penix and the offense. It’s hard to understand how this team managed to leave Carolina without any points. But they didn’t score on the next possession. Instead, Penix was intercepted on a long pass that put the Commaders back in Falcons territory. A 41-yard field goal by Gay made the score 24-16 in favor of the home team.
Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier has the patience of a saint. Despite running for 1,000 yards as a rookie three seasons ago, he seems content with getting the backup carries behind Robinson. Allgeier, who should be a well-sought-after free agent next season, scored on a 25-yard run down the Commaders’ sideline to put the Falcons ahead 31-16 at the end of the third quarter.
This season’s Falcons front line is much improved. Veteran linebacker Kaden Ellis and veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd shared a sack in the first half, and Ellis got another in the fourth quarter. Rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker wasn’t credited with a sack this game, but continued to put pressure on the Commanders’ offensive line.
WTOP asked some of the Washington Commanders’ future neighbors along East Capitol Street in Southeast D.C., about their biggest hopes and fears tied to the future stadium.
Nearly 29 years after the Burgundy and Gold beat the Dallas Cowboys at the team’s final game at RFK Stadium, the D.C. Council approved a $3.7 billion deal that will bring Washington’s NFL football team back to the District.
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The Washington Commanders are returning to DC as council approves $3.7B deal for stadium at RFK site
The new stadium is expected to be completed in 2030, and while many people living near the stadium site are excited, they do have some concerns.
WTOP asked some of the Washington Commanders’ future neighbors along East Capitol Street in Southeast D.C., about their biggest hopes and fears tied to the future stadium.
From 16-year-old high school student Elijah York to retired art teacher Katie Cushman, excitement and city pride are some of the biggest hopes the team’s return can bring.
Cushman, who has lived six blocks from RFK Stadium for 42 years, said she is looking forward to cheering fans and seeing them wear jerseys while walking down her street again. However, she also acknowledged that her husband was not pleased with the stadium deal.
York, who wasn’t born when the Burgundy and Gold left D.C. for Prince George’s County, Maryland, said he hopes the team brings excitement to the District.
Another hope that was mentioned often had to do with economic issues, like when Delano Burnett — who was wearing an old-school style team hat — said he hopes the stadium brings jobs to the neighborhood.
Ward 7 resident Jaida Jackson said she hopes that the new stadium benefits people in all of D.C.’s eight wards.
Idaho native Andrew Enriquez, who lives only 12 blocks away from RFK Stadium, was on his way to Northwest Stadium to see the Commanders take on the Raiders. He wore a Commanders’ No. 41 jersey since he is from the same town in Idaho as Washington tight end Colson Yankoff.
“I just really hope we get it right on a blend between a new cutting-edge stadium to enjoy football, without pricing out the fans,” said Enriquez.
While everyone WTOP spoke with showed excitement, some of the fears they mentioned were housing prices, changes to the neighborhood’s character and — as York said — “traffic, traffic, traffic.”
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Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was caught in the middle of a play and run over during the team’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.
Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota ran to his left as the team moved up the field before halftime. He was pushed out of bounds by Raiders defensive back Tristin McCollum. Mariota ran through Quinn, who was trying to halt his player’s momentum.
Washington Commanders Dan Quinn is run into on the sideline during the first half of NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Quinn’s head appeared to connect with Mariota’s shoulder pad as he fell backward to the ground. The FOX broadcast showed the veteran coach with a bloody nose. Washington hit a field goal before halftime to go up 20-10.
“I’m OK, everything’s good. Just gonna be this kind of day where it’s a physical game, back and forth, and that’s what we expected coming in,” he told FOX’s Jennifer Hale before the second half began.
Washington Commanders Dan Quinn speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Mariota started for an injured Jayden Daniels. He dug deep and went 15-of-21 passing with 207 yards and a touchdown pass. He added 40 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
It was his first start since 2022 when he was with the Atlanta Falcons.
Jaylin Lane electrified the crowd with a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown as well.
Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had 289 passing yards and threw three touchdown passes in the loss. Tre Tucker led the way with eight catches for 145 yards. He caught all three of Smith’s touchdown passes.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after a play during the second half of NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Now that the D.C. Council has approved the $3.7 billion deal that will bring the Washington Commanders back to the nation’s capital, the team and the city will focus on beginning the development of the 180-acre RFK Stadium campus.
Now that the D.C. Council has approved the $3.7 billion deal that will bring the Washington Commanders back to the nation’s capital, the team and the city will focus on beginning the development of the 180-acre RFK Stadium campus.
Matt Winkler, American University professor and director of sports analytics and management, said the final vote will spark a “gold rush.”
“There’s going to be a lot of people looking to be stakeholders, and a lot of people, you know, wanting contracts, wanting to get in early on these opportunities,” Winkler said.
To win the favor of the city and a taxpayer investment of more than $1 billion, the project includes plans for mixed-use development, affordable housing and even a community benefits package. Winkler said that’s what it takes to win over local leaders and residents — a stadium alone doesn’t cut it.
“Now, they’re expected to be these vibrant districts, you know, that deliver value to the city and the public-private partnerships, not just on game day, but really 365 days a year,” Winkler said.
He said the stadium will host year-round events because it will have a roof, allowing for events in inclement or cold weather.
The Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills are also working on new stadium developments, but the Commanders face additional hurdles due to the project’s urban location and the fact that many fans it needs to attract don’t live nearby.
“D.C. will have to be more creative in how they do this deal and work in partnership not just with the team, but the civic entities around Capitol Hill,” Winkler said.
He said the team also has to be creative in how it approaches parking, since the traditional big, open lots for tailgating won’t be there.
The team will also have to deal with a longer process to get plans approved, because the redevelopment project must first go through federal review. The National Capital Planning Commission is among the entities that need to sign off.
The commission includes commissioners who represent D.C., Maryland, Virginia and the White House.
“The current administration, and our President, has gotten involved in things like this, so that’s a factor that not many people can say that they have to deal with,” Winkler said.
The commission told WTOP it is awaiting the plans from the city and will work with the National Park Service on reviewing them when they come in.
Those approvals will be followed by local design and permitting requirements, all of which could slow the process.
Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said Tuesday the potential for delays prompted leaders to change the deal to no longer require the first housing units be delivered during the year the stadium opens. Instead, the deadline will be three years after the permitting process is done.
Also, Winkler said unlike SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, both stadiums funded by one entity, this project’s success will result from all stakeholders working together.
“This one’s different because it really needs everybody else to come together and move forward, you know, all working together as well, and then fit it in a really tight spot there,” Winkler said.
Despite some of the snags the team could hit moving forward, Winkler said this project will be a revenue maker.
“Making it not just a sports investment, but also a business and real estate strategy,” he said.
Winkler said this project stands out because it will bring a new stadium to a historic site that’s part of the team’s story.
“Adding the historical component and special memories to the, you know, photos, images that are out there of what it can look like, I think people are going to get really excited about it,” Winkler said.
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If the bill passes, it will bring the Washington Commanders back to the District to a brand new stadium. It would also bring redevelopment to the long-neglected 180-acre campus.
The D.C. Council will take its final vote Wednesday afternoon on the Washington Commanders stadium deal. If it passes, the vote will bring the NFL team back to the District. The passage of the RFK Development Act would also bring redevelopment to the long-neglected 180-acre RFK Stadium campus.
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Demolition is underway at the old RFK Stadium
“I’m expecting that there will again be a clear majority in support at second reading,” said D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson on Tuesday.
Seven votes are needed for the 13-member council to pass the legislation. Only three members voted against it during the first vote in August.
Mendelson said an amended deal has been put together, but the changes do not affect the “major economic terms” of the agreement. Instead, they clarify certain elements of the deal.
“It’s not changing the abatements. It’s not changing what happens with the tax revenues. It’s not changing the funds that are set up to support the ongoing maintenance of the stadium,” Mendelson said.
Some of the changes clarify how a $20 million transportation fund can be used. The amendment also adjusts the timeline for when affordable housing must begin to be delivered, starting three years after zoning for residential properties is approved.
The initial deal had the first portion of housing due by the end of 2030, but Mendelson called that schedule “a little aggressive,” due to the many zoning steps and approvals required before construction can begin.
Some want to save heritage trees
Some residents and organizations have expressed concerns over portions of the bill, including a coalition of more than 30 groups calling for, among other changes, protections for large, established trees on the campus, known as heritage trees.
Speaking near the RFK stadium site, in the median area of East Capitol Street, Nina Albert, D.C. Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, said many of those trees will remain.
“We’re standing in the festival grounds, and we’re surrounded by, I think, 20 heritage trees. This represents the vast majority of the heritage trees, and I believe we’ll all work very hard to preserve them. That said, there are some trees that will need to either be relocated or taken down to make way for this project,” Albert said.
Mendelson also said the project will not lead to the removal of all heritage trees.
“The waiver that was in the bill at first reading and is in the amendment in the nature of a substitute, doesn’t say every heritage tree is going to be cut down and the team has made clear that they have no intention of cutting down every heritage tree,” Mendelson said.
Displacement of area residents has also been a concern, which could come up during discussion of expected amendments to the deal. Council member Robert White is among those who have been vocal on the issue, expressing concern that development of the campus could result in residents of the Kingman Park area being pushed out of their homes.
Possible ‘wealth building’ for residents
Mendelson said while the council should monitor whether displacement becomes an issue, the project could also benefit many who live nearby.
“This is not a development project that is taking an existing block of homes or businesses and tearing them down and displacing them. This is a development at the site where there has been a stadium historically. So there may be increased property values, which I rephrase as wealth-building for the residents in the adjacent neighborhoods,” he said.
Some who live near the stadium have expressed concern about whether the roads and Metro station can handle the crowds.
Albert said discussions with the community will take place, and that conversations are already underway about whether a new Metro station is needed at the site.
“Metro is going to be kicking off a study as to the feasibility of expanding their station and maybe even building a new station,” Albert said.
She said she is confident that at least seven “yes” votes are secured to pass the legislation, which she described as a major economic driver.
“The project has been significantly vetted, and the deal has been significantly vetted during the first vote. It got overwhelming support by the council, nine to three vote. And so, I believe that the council has been satisfied with the material points of the deal,” Albert said.
As for whether the city is preparing for the possibility that the deal fails, Albert said she “can’t even conceive” a future with that outcome.
“If that were the outcome, our work to make sure that D.C. residents have jobs, that there’s continued and certain economic activity over the next four years, that profile would change,” she said.
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