The Washington Commanders were in full gear for their final training camp before facing another tough test of their skills on the road. Dan Quinn’s team travels to the Miami Dolphins where they will participate in a joint practice before heading out for their second preseason game. This will be another important gauge as final cuts are coming in the not too distant future.

Quinn seems happy with how things are going. The Commanders are dealing with a few frustrating injuries, but the energy and determination in the building is sky high compared to last season. Washington’s approach is more professional – something that can hopefully lead to better times for this storied franchise this season and beyond.

Players are running out of time to convince the powers that be that they are worth joining. Now it’s time to push through or keep quiet. Those who succeed in the proverbial pressure cooker will be rewarded. Those who fail to meet certain goals will be sent on their way without much fuss.

It’s an exciting time for fans, but a nerve-wracking one for many players. With that in mind, here are five key observations from Day 13 of Washington’s training camp in Ashburn.

Martavis Bryant’s ambition

The Washington Commanders made a splash before practice by signing Martavis Bryant, the talented but troubled wide receiver who hasn’t played in a competitive NFL game since 2018. Dan Quinn seemed suitably impressed after seeing the player up close with the Dallas Cowboys following the lifting of his lengthy suspension in 2023. This also presents a challenge for other wide receivers who may not live up to the required expectations.

Whether Bryant can make the roster in such a short amount of time remains to be seen, but the former Clemson star appears willing to fight for his spot and learn as much as he can to ease his important integration, according to comments on the team’s website.

“I’ve been through a lot. I don’t give up on myself. I never gave up. I’ve always been a fighter and I’m going to continue to be a fighter. Whatever they ask of me, man. I’m just trying to come back and get better, learn every day, learn from my coaches, learn from my teammates.”

– Martavis Bryant on Commanders.com

Bryant got his first look at practice on Day 13, made some nice blocks and even made a few appearances for the first team, according to those in attendance. It will be interesting to see how things pan out, but time is running out as the 2014 fourth-round pick looks for another chance in the NFL.