Sam Cosmi took a big step toward getting back on the field Thursday, and that could be the kind of boost the Commanders badly need up front.
The right guard was a full participant in practice after missing the trip to London for the Week 4 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Cosmi had been in the concussion protocol and was ruled out early in the week after taking a vicious hit from his own teammate, when running back Kaytron Allen inadvertently ran into him. His absence was felt, especially in the run game, where rookie Matt Gulbin struggled in his place.
Cosmi also spoke to reporters after practice, which points to a strong chance he’ll be available Sunday against the Giants. That would be a major lift for Washington, which has been looking for more stability and quality along the offensive line. Cosmi also discussed the scary concussion this season in an interview with 7News reporter Scott Abraham, particularly after dealing with one last year.
The Commanders were still dealing with some key injury concerns elsewhere, though. Receiver Terry McLaurin sat out a second straight practice with a hamstring injury suffered in Friday practice in London, and Stefon Diggs also missed a second consecutive session with a hamstring issue. Diggs was spotted at practice, while McLaurin was not there for the second day this week.
Guard/center Nick Allegretti was unavailable again after being limited the day before, with hip and Achilles injuries keeping him out. On the defensive side, Charles Omenihu did not practice because of a groin strain and ankle injury, and Tyler Owens also missed with a hamstring issue.
The limited group included safety Nick Cross, who was listed with an illness after being hospitalized for internal injuries in Dallas following the game. Trey Amos was limited as he works back from an ankle injury and remains on IR. Jacory Croskey-Merritt was limited after a groin strain against the Colts, while Frankie Luvu continued to deal with a groin injury he suffered near the end of the first half against Philly.
Jeremy McNichols was listed as limited while returning from a quad strain and remains on IR. Chig Okonkwo was limited with a hamstring injury that knocked him out of the Eagles game, and Rachaad White was also limited with a shoulder injury against Seattle. Deatrich Wise Jr. remained limited as he comes back from a torn quad and is still on PUP.
Among the players who were full participants, Sonny Styles was listed after a groin issue against the Colts, Ben Sinnott was full with a new rib injury, and Javon Kinlaw practiced fully after a shoulder injury against the Cowboys. Jayden Daniels was also a full participant while still dealing with a dislocated left elbow, and he traveled with the team.
In Other News...
Jayden Daniels Gives Commanders Hope With One Huge Question Still Lingering
Jayden Daniels was back on the practice field Wednesday and went through a full session after missing two games, a welcome development for a Commanders team that has been trying to navigate life without its rookie quarterback. Washington expects him to play against the New York Giants, and he is doing so with a brace on his elbow, a reminder that even his return comes with a degree of caution.
The bigger concern is what comes after this week. The Commanders still have not signed another quarterback, leaving Daniels as the clear centerpiece of the offense for now, even as there is lingering uncertainty about whether his elbow will need surgery after the season. For a team trying to stay competitive, getting him back matters, but so does whatever happens next with an injury that could follow him well beyond Sunday. [Read more 🡒]
Jayden Daniels Return Wont End This Commanders Problem
Jayden Daniels is set to return after missing two games with an elbow injury, which is obviously a lift for Washington as it tries to steady an offense that has been juggling injuries at a few spots. His presence alone changes the conversation at quarterback, and the Commanders are counting on that to help restore some rhythm after a stretch without him.
The wider issue, though, may still be at receiver, where Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs both missed practice with hamstring injuries. McLaurin has already sat out a recent game, and if both wideouts remain limited, Antonio Williams could keep seeing the heavier workload and targets that have made him a more important part of the passing game than anyone expected at this point. [Read more 🡒]
Jayden Daniels Return Comes With One Big Concern For Commanders Fans
Jayden Daniels is on track to return Sunday against the Giants after missing time with a left elbow injury, giving Washington the kind of lift it badly wanted as it gets back into a regular rhythm. He was a full participant in practice, a strong sign that the Commanders are moving toward getting their quarterback back on the field after a frustrating stretch on the sideline.
The lingering issue is not whether Daniels is close, but how he will feel once the game speed picks back up. Washington is still watching his recovery carefully to make sure he can function comfortably, and the team has not been shy about treating this as a step-by-step process. Dan Quinn said Daniels is expected to start if there are no setbacks, leaving the final bit of confirmation to the weekend itself. [Read more 🡒]