The Washington Commanders made a quick roster move Wednesday morning, bringing in veteran offensive lineman Lucas Patrick and clearing a spot by placing linebacker Jordan Magee on injured reserve.
Patrick arrives with plenty of mileage. He has appeared in more than 100 NFL games and made 65 starts, giving Washington a much-needed option at both guard and center.
Magee’s move to IR comes after he hurt his hamstring in Sunday’s Week 1 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s not yet known whether the Commanders designated him to return, though that appears likely. If they did, he would have to sit out at least four games.
His absence adds to a growing list of injury concerns from Sunday. Frankie Luvu is dealing with a groin issue, Chig Okonkwo has a hamstring injury, and Tyler Owens hurt his ankle.
Of that group, only Owens was back on the practice field Wednesday, and he was a full participant. Magee is now on IR, while Luvu and Okonkwo were both out of practice.
Washington is reportedly hopeful that Luvu’s injury is not a long-term problem, but his availability for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys is still up in the air. If he can’t go, Leo Chenal and rookie Sonny Styles would be the starting inside linebackers, with Kain Medrano serving as the lone backup. Medrano is mainly used on special teams.
The injuries to Luvu and Magee likely explain why Washington worked out multiple linebackers on Tuesday. Along with Patrick, the Commanders also added linebackers Marvin Jones Jr. and Austin Keys to the practice squad.
For Magee, it’s another frustrating stop on a bumpy start to his career. The 2024 fifth-round pick missed nine games as a rookie because of injuries, then managed to stay on the field for all 17 games last season. Washington has already made major changes at linebacker this offseason, using the No. 7 overall pick on Styles and signing Chenal to a three-year deal.
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