Jayden Daniels, McLaurin, Diggs all set to play vs. Lions

For a preseason game against the Lions, this is about as big a headline as Commanders fans could ask for. Adam Schefter dropped the news that Daniels, McLaurin and Diggs are all expected to play today, and that's not nothing given how many teams treat preseason like a glorified walkthrough for their starters.

The context here matters. Washington brought in a new offensive coordinator this offseason and wants live reps for Daniels in the new scheme before the games start counting. That alone would explain why the front office is comfortable letting its franchise quarterback take snaps in August. Add in that Diggs is a new piece entirely — he signed a team-friendly deal to come home to Washington after a strong 2025 with New England, where he caught 85 balls for 1,013 yards — and there's real value in seeing him and Daniels build chemistry against a real opponent instead of just scripted camp reps.

McLaurin, meanwhile, has been the one constant on this roster for years, the rare Commander to post 1,000-yard seasons even when the quarterback play and supporting cast around him were shaky. Washington reportedly hasn't had a receiver not named McLaurin put up a 100-yard game in close to 3 years — which is exactly why pairing him with Diggs is being framed as the move that finally takes pressure off him.

None of this changes anything on the standings sheet — it's still preseason. But for a fanbase that spent years dealing with Daniels' health and an offense starved for a second real threat at receiver, seeing all 3 names cleared to play together, even in a glorified scrimmage, is worth the hype. If Blough's new scheme is going to click by Week 1, August reps like this one are where it starts.