It's a time for tinkering, depth chart decisions and reconnecting with fans. The Cincinnati Bengals are afterthoughts as the Washington Football Team really gets ready for the regular season rather than an irrelevant preseason game on Friday.
Mostly, the starting lineup is known as coach Ron Rivera counters growing NFL trends to sit starters and playing his regulars for a quarter or more. With a half dozen prominent additions to last year's lineup, Rivera knows chemistry comes more in-game situations than practice fields.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick follows his satisfying Washington debut last week by trying to connect with more receivers. But the competition for No. 2 suddenly re-emerged as Kyle Allen pronounced himself healthy from an ankle injury and ready to take on Taylor Heinicke for the backup role.
Given Allen beat Heinicke in an impromptu sprint in Wednesday's practice, the former seems ready. And, Allen wants the job knowing the second stringer often gets to play in today's NFL.
Maybe left guard is the only regular opening remaining, but Ereck Flowers seems to have an edge over Wes Schweitzer. Otherwise, the starting 22 is ready and the 53-member roster is down to a few uncertainties like most seasons.
Returner might decide the sixth receiver slot. DeAndre Carter has an edge, but seventh-rounder Dax Milne has looked awfully smooth. Milne would be a hard cut.
So would tight end Sammis Reyes, who is out with a concussion after playing his first game ever. The Chilean basketball-turned-football player is considered a developmental prospect that might be stashed on the practice squad. Fourth-rounder John Bates has a chance to earn backup tight end with a good outing against the Bengals.
Meanwhile, linebacker Jamin Davis could use a second look after an unimpressive debut. The first-rounder seemed overwhelmed by the game's speed in the preseason opener at New England. Washington needs the inside linebacker to quickly acclimate as the center of the defense.
Certainly, kicker Dustin Hopkins seeks atonement after missing both field-goal attempts last week. Whether rookie snapper Camaron Cheeseman's speedy snaps are the problem is something holder Tress Way and Hopkins need to reconcile. And, they have 1.3 seconds to do it.
And assuming Washington scores a touchdown, fans will face the sudden reality that singing "Hail to the Redskins" is now archived like its namesake. It will make for an awkward silence for many fans' first game since the name change last year thanks to the pandemic causing empty stadiums. Most likely, fans will sing it anyway.
With first-teamers facing third-string scout teams during recent practices, Washington is more concerned with Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 12 than preseason opponents.
Dress rehearsals are often more boring than matinees, but the NFL still makes money on faux football. For Washington, the reality is improving players.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
