Commanders stock report: Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr. pop, but second-team defense looks shaky

LANDOVER — The most noteworthy event of Washington’s preseason opener didn’t even occur on the field. It happened in the medical tent.

Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota left the game after getting hit on a 22-yard completion. On the next play, he handed the ball off to running back Kaytron Allen and was noticeably limping. He walked off the field just three snaps in and eventually exited to the locker room. His injury status remains unknown.

But the rest of Washington’s 20-7 win over Miami was largely uneventful. The second-team defense looked shaky, but running backs Allen and Robert Henry Jr. popped.

Washington sat most of its starters, including quarterback Jayden Daniels and star receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs.

Here’s a look at the risers and fallers from Friday night’s debut.

Risers

Safety Quan Martin

If you are a safety reporting for work at the Commanders’ facility these days, it’s a good idea to come prepared. The back end of Washington’s defense has been one of the most hotly contested position battles in camp. Between Martin and Jeremy Reaves, the Commanders are undecided on who will play free safety. It’s even more critical considering new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones could employ three-safety sets.

Martin helped his case. He intercepted a pass by Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers in the first half. He broke on a ball that appeared to be lofted into no-man’s-land. He added a solo tackle and assisted on another.

Martin’s ball skills are exactly why Washington drafted him in the second round in 2023. But he has only three interceptions in three seasons. Last year, he graded 92nd out of 98 safeties on Pro Football Focus. This is a critical fourth year.

“His real value comes in the deep parts of the field, like his speed and his breaks out to the ball,” head coach Dan Quinn said. “He’s also got good ball skills, so putting himself in locations to make plays on the ball, that’s at the top of the list.”

His counterpart, Reaves, sat out the preseason opener.

“It was definitely hard [last year], especially ending the season the way we did,” Martin said. “I’m just trying to control the things I can: my effort, my play style, getting to the ball. Anything that is outside of my control, I just don’t worry about it too much.”

Running backs Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr.

After a bit of a slow start, Washington’s sixth-round pick settled in late in the first half. Allen’s had a quiet training camp. But Quinn said he couldn’t truly evaluate him until a game, when he could showcase his ability to break tackles. After all, that is what made him one of Penn State’s most dynamic running backs since Saquon Barkely.

Allen showed glimpses of that Friday, breaking tackles for a short touchdown in the second quarter. He also broke off a 16-yard gain on the same drive.

He finished with 85 yards on 23 carries.

He wasn’t Washington’s best back of the day. Robert Henry Jr., an undrafted free agent of UT San Antonio, averaged 6.3 yards a carry and added a touchdown. But Allen’s performance was enough to assure Washington that the power is still there.

“I feel like [contact] gets me going,” Allen said. “I love contact.”

Defensive lineman Ricky Barber

You might remember Barber from the end of last season against the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders activated him for his first NFL game, and he chipped in a sack.

Now Barber is again trying to make the roster as a deep backup. He led the team with five tackles and a sack. Three of those were solo tackles.

“Last year was big on teaching me how to be a pro,” Barber said. “I love it here. I want to be a part of what is going on here. This is [how] I show them I want to be part of this team.”

The roster math might not work in his favor. He is playing behind Javon Kinlaw and Charles Omenihu, two entrenched playmakers whom Washington invested in. The top end of the defensive line — with Daron Payne, Tim Settle and Deatrich Wise Jr. — is solid. But Barber is making his case.

“I’m definitely [calmer] about it this year,” Barber said of the roster cuts. “Last year, my head was spinning. New guy, you know. This year I have my bearings. Just being more confident, that is the biggest thing.”

Fallers

Second-team defense

Washington wanted to get a taste of first-round pick Sonny Styles in a game. Quinn sent out the second-team defense on the opening drive, pairing Styles with linebacker Leo Chenal. Newly signed corner Rasul Douglas and safety Will Harris helped on the back end. Former second-round pick Jer’Zhan Newton manned the defensive line.

But the plan failed miserably.

Miami drove 93 yards on 14 plays to open the game. The Dolphins basically got whatever they wanted. Quarterback Malik Willis went 4-of-5 passing for 43 yards. The defensive line was gashed. Miami averaged 5.6 rushing yards a carry and converted two third downs.

Just about the only miscue the Dolphins had was self-inflicted, stepping out of bounds on a would-be completion.

“One drive, one touchdown, [14] plays. Not ideal,” Styles said. “But we got a game next week.”

It’s hard to read too much into a single drive. But Washington is on heightened alert about its defense after changing coordinators last year.

Newton is a particular concern. He is another player, like Martin, who is getting deeper into this rookie deal. He was drafted in 2024 but has yet to establish himself. Third-team lineman Shy Tuttle looked better in his reps.

Sam Hartman

Whether Washington carries two or three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster is up in the air. A big reason is that Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis haven’t exactly made a compelling case they deserve a spot.

Hartman didn’t do anything that would change that line of thinking. The third-year quarterback threw an interception on a ball that sailed. He threw behind an open Antonio Williams.

It wasn’t all bad. He had sharp moments. But he finished 8-of-15 passing for only 80 yards. It amounted to a measly quarterback rating of 41.

All of this happened against the backdrop of Kaliakmanis moving the ball when he had chances in the second half. The rookie out of Rutgers has a stronger arm than Hartman. If Hartman can’t take care of the ball or be a high-percentage passer, it is hard to see him staying above Kaliakmanis on the depth chart.