The Washington Commanders enter mandatory minicamp with several key defensive players still working their way back from significant injuries suffered during the 2025 season. Edge rusher Dorance Armstrong continues recovering from a torn ACL, while defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. is progressing from a surgically repaired quadriceps injury. Cornerback Trey Amos is also nearing a return from a fractured fibula, giving Washington optimism that multiple contributors could be ready by training camp. Meanwhile, quarterback Jayden Daniels has been fully healthy throughout the offseason and remains one of the biggest reasons for optimism entering the 2026 season.
Dorance Armstrong - ACL
Armstrong continues recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 2 of the 2025 season. Armstrong is fully recovered from the season-ending knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign. The veteran defensive end was a full participant throughout minicamp and showed no limitations during the offseason program.
Deatrich Wise Jr. - Quad
Wise has made a full recovery from the quad injury that prematurely ended his 2025 season. The veteran defensive lineman was a full participant during minicamp and enters the season healthy after signing a contract extension.
Wise is expected to be fully available for training camp and provides an important veteran presence along Washington's defensive front.
Trey Amos - Fibula
Amos has been dealing with a lower-leg injury that limited his participation during OTAs and prevented him from taking part in full drills. The rookie cornerback's injury is not considered serious, and the team has been taking a cautious approach with his workload during the offseason program.
The expectation is that Amos will ramp up for training camp and be ready to compete for a role in the secondary. At this point, there are no long-term concerns surrounding his availability.
Tim Settle - Foot
ettle is back to full strength after undergoing season-ending foot surgery in 2025. Following his signing with Washington in free agency, the veteran defensive tackle participated fully in minicamp with no reported restrictions.
Settle is expected to be a full participant at training camp and has already stated his goal is to be "destructive" as part of the Commanders' defensive line rotation in 2026.
Jayden Daniels - Hamstring
Daniels has been one of the stars of the Commanders' offseason program. After dealing with knee and hamstring issues during portions of the 2025 season, the franchise quarterback has been fully healthy and a full participant throughout OTAs. Daniels has looked comfortable commanding the offense, showing improved chemistry with his playmakers while operating with no visible limitations. He is expected to be a full participant at mandatory minicamp and enters the summer as one of the key reasons for optimism in Washington.
