The Washington Commanders didn’t need long to decide their offensive line needed help.
After a rough Week 1 showing against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team is reportedly signing versatile interior lineman Lucas Patrick to its 53-man roster, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero of The Ringer and Netflix. It’s a clear signal that general manager Adam Peters wasn’t pleased with what he saw at Lincoln Financial Field.
Patrick brings experience at all three interior offensive line spots, and he appeared in six games for the Cincinnati Bengals last season, starting one. He’s not being brought in as a difference-maker in the elite sense, but Washington clearly felt the need to add another body who can play.
At the very least, he gives the Commanders a better depth option.
And depth is exactly what this group has been lacking. The move also puts pressure on players such as Nick Allegretti and Chris Paul.
Peters took a gamble this offseason by installing Allegretti as the starting center after releasing Tyler Biadasz. Fans were already skeptical of that decision, and the failed attempt to land Tyler Linderbaum left Washington without much of a fallback plan.
Allegretti’s performance in Philadelphia only intensified the concern. He looked unsettled, uncertain about his assignments, and missed key blocks at important moments. With only sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin behind him, his grip on the job is now very much in question.
Paul is in a different spot, but he’s not exactly safe either.
He played well last season, yet his free-agent market wasn’t strong. Washington brought him back on a one-year deal, and he came in betting on himself. Still, the Tulsa product appeared to be on the verge of losing his starting job to Brandon Coleman before Laremy Tunsil’s injury changed the picture.
Patrick’s arrival only adds more heat there, though his own health remains part of the equation. The New York Giants cut him before the season, but the reports around him were positive. His knee issue did flare up again, so how much he can handle right away in Washington is the big question.
Still, the Commanders are at least trying to address the problem.
Having these issues after one game is far from ideal, and fans could see the warning signs coming. Peters is clearly searching for answers, but the bigger criticism is just as plain: if the team had taken a better approach earlier, it wouldn’t be scrambling now.
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