In a 27-18 loss to the Packers in Week 2, the commander lost one defensive player during the season. Defensive start Deatrich Wise Jr. suffered a season-ending quad injury. He was placed in the IR.
Additionally, cornerback Jonathan Jones was placed in the IR, which opened the commander’s roster. At that opening, Washington is reunited with the former defense star. NFL Insider has announced that veteran Des Preston Smith will be signing with commander for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Preston Smith was signed by Washington Commander
Reunion: Veteran Edge Rusher Preston Smith #commanderssources tell insiders.
On his second pick in 2015, Smith signed a big free agent contract for Green Bay after spending four seasons in Washington. Now he can come back and add to his 70.5 career sack. pic.twitter.com/v3l7fra5vo
-Tom Pelissero (@tompelissero) September 17, 2025
In the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Washington selected Preston Smith from Mississippi. He played the first four seasons of his professional career for the franchise. Four years later, Smith recorded 24.5 bags in Washington. After the 2018 season, Smith left for the Packers to free agency. Smith had a breakout season with the Packers in 2019, scoring a career-high 12.5 sacks. Smith hasn’t reached the double digit bag since.
Preston Smith spent six seasons in Green Bay before trading him for the Steelers in 2024. He played in 17 games last season, nine games with the Packers and eight games with the Steelers. In the season, Smith had 4.5 bags. In a second week loss to the Packers, the commander lost Deatrich Weiss Jr. for the season due to the torn quad. To raise the defensive line, the commander signed former second pick, Preston Smith.
I’ve created the next roster movement.
– Signed Des Preston Smith
– CB Jonathan Jones placed on the sanctuary/injury list– Washington Commander (@commanders) September 17, 2025
The 32-year-old will join the pass-rush group of veteran groups that include Von Miller, Dolance Armstrong, Jacob Martin and Jaylon Holmes. Washington also has a second-year professional, Javonte Jean-Baptiste. Deatrich Wise Jr. was not the only commander to suffer a season-ending injury in week two.
The third week matchup at home and QB Jayden Daniels with the Raiders are listed as suspicious due to knee sprain. If the commander wants another deep run in the playoffs, they’re needed for Daniels to stay healthy. Will coach Dan Quinn be able to sit down a franchise QB in week three? Are you a weak opponent like Las Vegas? If Daniels is not available, Marcus Mariota is Washington’s backup QB.
