The Washington Commanders head into today’s matchup against the Vikings with a few notable roster shifts and injury updates that could subtly shape how this game unfolds. Let’s break down what’s happening on the personnel front and what it could mean on the field.
Wide Receiver Shuffle: Noah Brown Returns, Chris Moore Released
The biggest move on offense comes with the return of wide receiver Noah Brown, who’s been activated off injured reserve after missing time with a groin injury suffered back in Week 2. Brown’s return adds a physical, reliable target back into the mix-someone who can make contested catches and help move the chains. To make room, the Commanders released veteran Chris Moore, a move that speaks to both Brown’s readiness and the team’s desire to get younger and more explosive at the position.
Defensive Line: Walker Elevated, Jackson Not Quite Ready
On the defensive side, Washington elevated DeMarcus Walker from the practice squad. This marks Walker’s first call-up since joining the team a month ago, and it’s a chance for the veteran to show he can still generate pressure and hold the edge. Walker’s elevation also signals some questions about depth at defensive end.
Drake Jackson, who was activated from injured reserve earlier this week, isn’t quite ready to return from the patellar tendon injury that sidelined him for much of 2023. That’s a tough injury to bounce back from, especially for a player who relies on burst and lateral quickness off the edge. For now, Washington’s being cautious, and rightfully so.
Meanwhile, T.J. Maguranyanga, the International Player Pathway program player, was elevated last week.
That move, coupled with Walker’s elevation today, leaves Jalyn Holmes on the outside looking in again. Holmes has now been a healthy scratch for two straight games, and that’s usually not a great sign for a player trying to stay in the rotation.
Linebacker Depth: Kaho Still Out, Medrano Steps In
At linebacker, undrafted rookie Ale Kaho remains inactive as he continues to recover from a concussion suffered a month ago. Kaho had shown flashes of playmaking ability earlier in the season, particularly on special teams and in limited defensive snaps, but health comes first.
In his place, Kain Medrano-another undrafted rookie, this one out of UCLA-gets the nod. Medrano brings a rangy, athletic profile and could be leaned on in sub-packages or special teams duty. It’s a chance for him to carve out a role with Kaho still sidelined.
Offensive Line: Tunsil’s Backup Situation Holds Steady
The offensive line picture remains mostly unchanged. Tackles Trent Scott and George Fant are both inactive again this week, which means Brandon Coleman stays active and ready to step in if Laremy Tunsil needs a breather or aggravates any lingering issues. Coleman has been the first man up in recent weeks, and while he’s still developing, he’s shown enough to earn the staff’s trust as the swing tackle.
Commanders’ Full Inactives List:
- QB Josh Johnson (Emergency 3rd QB)
- LB Ale Kaho
- OT Trent Scott
- OT George Fant
- DE Drake Jackson
- DE Jalyn Holmes
Vikings inactives were not available at the time of this report.
What It All Means
This week’s moves aren’t about headline-grabbing changes-they’re about depth, development, and getting younger players into the mix while key veterans continue to heal. Noah Brown’s return gives the offense a boost, while the defensive line rotation is clearly still in flux. And with multiple undrafted rookies seeing action, this is a coaching staff still evaluating what it has in the middle and bottom tiers of the roster.
As the Commanders look to find consistency down the stretch, these subtle roster tweaks could end up playing a bigger role than they seem at first glance.