Commanders' Mike Sainristil: Four INTS in second season
Rotowire
Sainristil had 85 tackles (51 solo) and four interceptions among his 12 passes defensed in 2025. He also returned one punt for no gain.
Sainristil has played in all 17 regular-season games and notched at least 12 passes defensed in each of his first two NFL campaigns. The 2024 second-round draft pick is likely to maintain a starting cornerback role for the Commanders in his third NFL campaign after doubling his rookie-season total with four interceptions in 2025.
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Commanders' Mike Sainristil: Breaks up two passes Sunday
Rotowire
Sainristil posted three tackles (two solo) and two defensed passes in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Cowboys.
Sainristil continues to be busy in coverage -- over the past four weeks, he's tallied six defensed passes, including two interceptions. The second-year cornerback tied for 10th in the NFL with 14 defensed passes as a rookie last season.
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Commanders' Mike Sainristil: Three tackles in Week 6 loss
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Sainristil logged three tackles and a pass defense during the Commanders' 25-24 loss to the Bears on Monday.
Sainristil played 62 of 64 defensive snaps in Monday's loss, but his three stops were his lowest since Week 1 against the Giants (three). The 2024 second-rounder is up to 32 tackles through six regular-season games, which is barely on track to match his total from 2024 (93 tackles across 17 regular-season games).
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Commanders' Mike Sainristil: Doesn't practice Thursday
Rotowire
Sainristil (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice.
Sainristil has missed the first two practices of the week due to a knee injury that he likely picked up during the Commanders' Week 4 loss to the Falcons. The 2024 second-rounder has travelled with the team to Los Angeles despite missing practice, so it appears he has a chance to play Sunday against the Chargers depending on his participation in Friday's session. Noah Igbinoghene and Antonio Hamilton would be candidates to see more snaps on defense at the slot corner position if Sainristil is unable to play.
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Commanders' Mike Sainristil: Impressive rookie season
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Sainristil collected 93 tackles (62 solo), 14 pass breakups (including two interceptions), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across 17 regular-season appearances with the Commanders in 2024.
Sainristil also tallied 11 tackles (eight solo) and four passes defensed, including two interceptions, across Washington's three playoff contests. The 2024 second-round pick began his NFL career as an immediate starter in a slot role for Washington, and down the stretch he found success on the boundary as well. He'll work to take another step forward in his development this offseason.
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Commanders' Mike Sainristil: Gets interception in win
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Sainristil recorded five tackles (two solo) and an interception during Sunday's 20-19 win at New Orleans.
Sainristil jumped in front of an off-balance Jake Haener pass early in the second quarter to set up a Commanders touchdown to go up 14-0. His run-stopping chops will likely be tested next when Washington hosts the Eagles in Week 16.
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Commanders' Mike Sainristil: Second-round pick for Washington
Rotowire
The Commanders selected Sainristil in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 50th overall.
Sainristil might be limited to the slot at just 5-foot-10, 182 pounds, but the Michigan standout should excel there at least. He was a standout presence in a suffocating Wolverines defense that carried Michigan to its National Title victory in 2023, and his workout numbers indicate the ability to cover ground effectively (4.47-second 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical, 131-inch broad jump). Sainristil should immediately take over the slot position for Washington and might even have an outside chance of winning a starting role.
