As the Washington Commanders gear up for a Saturday showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s a short week with a long list of injury concerns. With just a few days to prepare, the team hit the practice field for the second time this week, but several key names remain sidelined - and the depth chart is starting to feel the strain.
Let’s start in the trenches, where defensive tackle Eddie Goldman is still in concussion protocol after taking a hit against the Giants. He hasn’t practiced all week, and barring a late turnaround, he's likely to miss his second game of the season. That’s a big absence for a Washington defense that’s already been stretched thin up front.
On the offensive side, tight end Colson Yankoff is also trending toward a DNP this weekend. He suffered a new ankle injury last Sunday and hasn’t been able to get back on the field.
While Yankoff hasn’t been a major contributor in the passing game, he’s been a reliable piece on special teams - and with Zach Ertz already out for the season with a torn ACL, the Commanders are running low on healthy bodies at tight end. Right now, John Bates and rookie Ben Sinnott are the only healthy tight ends on the 53-man roster.
If Yankoff can’t go, Washington may need to call up Lawrence Cager or recently signed Gee Scott Jr. from the practice squad just to have enough coverage at the position.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was shut down for the season after reaggravating an elbow injury, is still working through the rehab process. He’s not cleared for contact yet, and while he’s practicing in a limited capacity, there’s no expectation he’ll return to action. The Commanders have opted not to place him on injured reserve, likely to keep him in the building and engaged with the team as he continues his recovery.
On the offensive line, there’s cautious optimism around Laremy Tunsil. The veteran left tackle exited the Giants game with what was initially believed to be two separate injuries but is now officially listed with an oblique issue.
He didn’t practice Tuesday, but returned in a limited role today. Head coach Dan Quinn said Tunsil will be evaluated over the next couple of days to determine his availability.
If he can’t go, expect Brandon Coleman to slide into the starting role at left tackle. Coleman started there as a rookie last year and could be making his first start of the season after losing the left guard job to Chris Paul back in Week 2.
There is some good news on the injury front. Defensive end Drake Jackson has been a full participant in practice for two straight days.
He’s been working his way back from a patellar tendon injury dating back to 2023, and more recently, a nagging groin issue. Now fully cleared for contact, Jackson could finally make his debut in a Commanders uniform this weekend.
Elsewhere, cornerback Jonathan Jones and running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. - both of whom missed the Giants game - were full participants in practice. Jones had been dealing with a rib injury, while Rodriguez was a game-time scratch with a groin issue. Their return would provide a much-needed boost to both the secondary and the backfield heading into a tough matchup with Philadelphia.
Here’s a quick look at the Commanders’ injury designations heading into the weekend:
Did Not Practice (DNP):
- DT Eddie Goldman - Still in concussion protocol after the Giants game.
- LB Bobby Wagner - Knee injury has kept him out of the first two practices for the second week in a row.
- TE Colson Yankoff - Ankle injury suffered against the Giants.
Limited:
- QB Jayden Daniels - Shut down for the season after an elbow setback; still not cleared for contact.
- LT Laremy Tunsil - Working through an oblique injury; limited after missing Tuesday’s session.
Full Participants:
- OT George Fant - Missed the Vikings game with a knee issue, but looks ready to return.
- DE Drake Jackson - Activated from IR two weeks ago; trending toward his first action with Washington.
- CB Jonathan Jones - Back from a rib injury that sidelined him last week.
- **RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. ** - Practiced fully after being a game-time decision with a groin injury.
With playoff hopes long gone, Washington is still trying to build momentum and evaluate talent heading into the offseason. Saturday’s game against the Eagles may not carry postseason weight, but for players like Jackson, Coleman, and Sinnott, it’s a chance to prove they belong in the Commanders’ future plans.