The Washington Commanders’ initial 53-man roster doesn’t feature the starting group the team expected as recently as three weeks ago.But it won’t be the final active roster for the team’s season opener on Sept. 13 in Philadelphia, either.After finishing last season 5-12, Washington appointed new coordinators, adopted new schemes, invested heavily in its defensive front and tried to give quarterback Jayden Daniels more offensive playmakers. But injuries and competition forced the Commanders to adjust their plans and will lead to more changes in the days ahead.Here are the main takeaways from the Commanders’ first 53-man roster of the season.Top Plays from Commanders @ RavensMore changes to come — especially on the linesWashington currently has a skewed roster, with 27 offensive players and only 23 defensive players. That could soon change, however, because of injuries.Left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who suffered a torn triceps early in camp, was undoubtedly the most significant blow to Washington’s plan for 2026. Although Tunsil is on this initial 53-man roster, he and defensive tackle Johnny Newton (pectoral muscle) are expected to go on injured reserve with a designation for return sometime after 4 p.m. on Monday. That will free up two more spots, possibly for veterans who were cut Sunday (think defensive tackle Shy Tuttle and cornerback Fabian Moreau). There’s a chance Tunsil and Newton could return later in the season, which is why the team wants to keep the door open with the short-term designation.Cornerback Trey Amos and running back Jeremy McNichols were placed on IR on Sunday with a designation for return, meaning they’ll be out at least four games while they continue to recover from their injuries. Amos suffered an ankle sprain almost immediately after he returned from a leg injury. His continued absence leaves Washington with only three corners on its initial roster. McNichols injured his quad in camp.Outside linebacker Dorance Armstrong is another who will be out for Week 1. He was suspended by the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy and cannot return to the team before Sept. 14. That leaves another roster opening for Washington to fill in the coming days.About the center positionNick Allegretti, who was unofficially tabbed as the team’s starting center following Tyler Biadasz’s exit, missed most of training camp and all of preseason because of a calf injury. His absence exposed the team’s minimal depth on the interior line, which could lead to additional changes in the days ahead.Julian Good-Jones struggled while taking most of the first-team reps in Allegretti’s place and was waived Sunday. That leaves the team with only rookie center Matt Gulbin, a sixth-round pick, as the team’s primary backup at center.This could change, but Washington’s options aren’t great. The team might scour the waiver wire for depth, but that would likely ensure they get a less experienced player. They could also sign a veteran, but the top-tier players are obviously already under contract. They could try to convince Graham Glasgow, a 10-year veteran most recently with the Detroit Lions, to return to the league. Just a thought.A few rookies earn their spotsThe fates of first-round linebacker Sonny Styles and third-round receiver Antonio Williams were never in question. They were locks to make the 53. But that wasn’t necessarily the case for Washington’s other rookies.Seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis made the initial roster as Washington’s third quarterback after outperforming Sam Hartman throughout camp and preseason, and undrafted kicker Drew Stevens earned the starting job well before camp ended, beating out incumbent Jake Moody.Sixth-round running back Kaytron Allen received increased reps as injuries depleted the rushing corps, showing out in the preseason opener against Miami. He still needs development, but he could continue to get extra reps behind Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White as McNichols recovers.If there was any surprise with the initial 53, perhaps it was rookie guard Tanoa Togiai, another undrafted free agent, who earned a spot on the offensive line. The Commanders’ coaches took a liking to him early as Washington’s depth was tested amid the injuries up front.As Washington continues to tweak its Week 1 roster, it’s worth noting that the NFL’s waiver claiming period ends at 1 p.m. on Monday, and the Commanders are seventh on the priority list (veterans with at least four accrued seasons are not subject to waivers and can sign with a new team at any point). The practice squad can be formed after 2 p.m. Monday and can include up to 17 players, so long as one player qualifies as an international player.In the meantime, here’s the initial active roster:OffenseQuarterbacks (3)