Photo by John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images
ASHBURN, VA – JULY 25 : Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn watches his players warm up during day one of training camp in Ashburn, VA on July 23, 2025. (Photo by John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
As the Washington Commanders inch closer to finalizing their 53-man roster, head coach Dan Quinn is reminding his players of one simple truth: focus on what you can control. For many on the roster bubble, this time of year is filled with anxiety and uncertainty. But Quinn insists that the key to surviving roster decisions lies not in counting spots, but in putting their best performance forward.
“It’s all part of the process, and this time of year can be most challenging for the players that may see themselves on the roster bubble or the practice squad bubble,” Quinn explained. “And you just try to encourage them, man, like, ‘Try not to count, best foot forward, what’s your best look like?’ And I’ve seen a lot of that from guys at practice.”
The Commanders, who continue to shape an identity under Quinn’s leadership, are building a team culture grounded in competition and mutual support. Players are fighting hard for limited roster spots, but Quinn emphasizes that the energy should stay positive. “Don’t get into the accounting business,” Quinn said. “Like whatever your best looks like.”
That message resonates in a locker room filled with veterans, young players, and late additions who know every practice rep could define their future.
Late Additions Making Their Case
Quinn highlighted two recent additions who have quickly impressed: veteran cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. and offensive tackle George Fant.
Hamilton, known for his versatility, has already made an impact by contributing on defense and special teams. His ability to quickly adapt to Washington’s system shows the kind of determination Quinn admires in players fighting to make the roster. “I’ve seen that with Antonio; he played on defense, he played on teams. I was impressed by that,” Quinn said.
Fant, who signed with the Commanders earlier in the week, adds valuable depth to the offensive line. With 75 career starts across stops with the Seahawks, Jets, and Texans, he brings veteran experience to a unit that already features starters Laremy Tunsil and Andrew Wylie, as well as rookie Josh Conerly Jr. Quinn is eager to see what Fant can contribute once he settles in. “We added another new offensive tackle in George Fant today, so I’ll be excited to get on the field with him,” he noted.
These additions reflect Quinn’s willingness to adapt and build depth at critical positions while maintaining the competitive spirit that drives training camp.
Competition Drives the Culture
Quinn’s overall vision for the Commanders remains clear: create a culture of relentless competition where players support each other while pushing for excellence. “We talked about it early, just that competition of going for it with one another and supporting each other. And I liked what I’ve seen from that side,” Quinn said.
He also acknowledged the emotional weight that comes with roster cuts. Players desperately want to earn a spot on a team that is building momentum and trying to establish itself as a playoff contender. “It’s a real thing. It’s a real emotion. They want it badly to make it, and they know this is a team they want to be a part of,” Quinn added.
By keeping the focus on effort, preparation, and resilience, Quinn hopes his players remain locked in on the things they can control. The roster deadline may loom, but the Commanders’ head coach believes the energy and mindset displayed in camp will leave a lasting mark, whether or not every player makes the final 53.
For Quinn, it is about more than just the roster. It is about building a team culture rooted in hard work, unity, and a refusal to be distracted by fear.
Lake Lewis Jr Lake Lewis Jr. is an NFL and Washington Commanders Insider, as well as a contributing NFL Analyst for ABC and CBS Television. He hosts The Lake Lewis Jr. Show on YouTube, Radio One in Washington DC, and most major podcast platforms.
Lewis attended Penn State University and Georgetown University.
Follow him @LakeLewisJr on social media for more NFL coverage. More about Lake Lewis Jr
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