The Washington Commanders got a small boost on Tuesday when center Nick Allegretti and tight end John Bates both returned to practice after missing most of training camp. Allegretti had been working through a strained calf, while Bates was sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Even with those two back on the field, Washington’s injury picture still looked crowded. Starting edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson were out of Tuesday’s practice, though head coach Dan Quinn had spoken with the media before the session and did not say the pair would be unavailable.
The team also made four roster moves Tuesday, and several lined up with the positions where injuries have piled up. Running back Jerome Ford was placed on the reserve/injured list. That comes as Jeremy McNichols is also dealing with a quad injury, which prompted Washington to add veteran Craig Reynolds.
On defense, defensive tackle Johnny Newton sat out Tuesday after playing in Friday’s game. Washington responded by signing Maurice Hurst II for depth. Linebacker Jordan Magee also missed practice, and the Commanders brought in another veteran there too, Krys Barnes.
Ford was already facing long odds to crack Washington’s 53-man roster, and those chances only got slimmer after rookies Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr. stood out in the preseason opener.
Newton, a 2024 second-round pick, didn’t have a strong showing in Friday’s preseason opener. He is not considered a bubble player, but any missed time now could open the door a little wider for Ricky Barber Jr. to strengthen his case.
Magee is Washington’s fourth linebacker and also a key special teams contributor. If he misses time, Ale Kaho could see more snaps after turning heads in the preseason opener.
Quinn is scheduled to meet with reporters again on Wednesday, when the Commanders are expected to provide another update on the injuries heading into their second preseason game.
In Other News...
Commanders Could Face A Costly Joey Porter Jr. Decision
The cornerback market is starting to feel a little more interesting, and Washington is right in the middle of it. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, multiple teams are keeping an eye on whether the Steelers might be open to moving Joey Porter Jr., a Pro Bowl-caliber defender who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Pittsburghs cap situation has made the possibility at least worth monitoring, and any conversation would almost certainly begin with the kind of compensation that usually comes with a premium young corner.
For the Commanders, the appeal is obvious. Cornerback remains a need, and injuries have only sharpened the urgency of finding more reliable help on the back end. Porter would fit the profile of a player worth pursuing, but he would also come with a price tag that could force Washington to weigh immediate help against the cost of paying to get it. [Read more 🡒]
Jayden Daniels May Finally Have The Support Washington Needed
The Commanders spent the offseason reshaping the help around Jayden Daniels, and the changes start with the staff. Kliff Kingsbury is out as offensive coordinator, replaced by David Blough, who was promoted from assistant quarterbacks coach, and the move is being framed as a chance to better tailor the offense to Daniels strengths. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that Blough is expected to help Daniels maximize his abilities, particularly by leaning into the quarterbacks football IQ and his command at the line.
Washington has also tried to fortify the supporting cast, with free-agent receiver Stefon Diggs stepping into a leadership role alongside Terry McLaurin. Even with those additions, the bigger question still hangs over the offense: whether Daniels can stay healthy and whether the unit can hold up after losing starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Those are the kinds of variables that can decide whether all this support actually turns into progress. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Have 3 Roster Races Fans Need To Watch Vs Lions
After a win over the Dolphins, the Commanders are turning their attention to their next preseason test against the Lions, and the roster picture is still taking shape. Dan Quinn said several starters are expected to play, though the exact plan has not been set, which should give this game a little more weight than a typical August tune-up for a team still sorting through the back end of the roster.
The most interesting eyes will be on the cornerback group without Trey Amos, the safety spot next to Nick Cross, and the race for the third wide receiver role behind Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs. Those jobs may not decide the season, but in a camp where every rep counts, this is the kind of game that can separate a candidate from the crowd and start to clarify who is really trending toward a spot. [Read more 🡒]