The Washington Commanders are heading into their Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys with a reshuffled roster and a few critical depth moves that speak volumes about their current state - both in terms of health and preparation.
Let’s start under center. With Marcus Mariota still sidelined, the Commanders are turning to veteran Josh Johnson as their starting quarterback.
Johnson, who’s been around the league and knows how to manage a game, will be backed up by Jeff Driskel - a familiar face in Washington who was recently signed from the Arizona Cardinals. But the quarterback moves didn’t stop there.
Rookie Sam Hartman has been signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad and will serve as the emergency third QB. It’s a contingency move, but a necessary one given the uncertainty around Mariota’s availability for the season finale as well.
Now, about that open roster spot - it came unexpectedly. Wide receiver Jamal Agnew, who was claimed off waivers from the Falcons, failed his physical and won’t be suiting up.
That’s a blow, especially considering Agnew’s experience as a return man, which the team could’ve used after losing Jaylin Lane to injured reserve earlier this week. Lane had been a spark plug on special teams, notching two return touchdowns this season and handling primary punt return duties.
With both Lane and Agnew unavailable, the Commanders elevated River Cracraft from the practice squad. Cracraft has some return chops and could factor in as a depth option in the return game.
Defensively, the Commanders are dealing with more attrition - this time on the interior of the defensive line. Eddie Goldman was placed on IR due to a concussion, and standout Daron Payne has been ruled out with a back injury.
That leaves Washington thin in the trenches. The current rotation now includes Javon Kinlaw, rookie Johnny Newton, veteran Sheldon Day, and recent waiver claim Shy Tuttle.
To bolster depth, the team elevated undrafted rookie Ricky Barber for the first time this season. He’ll be available for special teams and could see some snaps on the defensive front if needed.
All told, these moves paint a clear picture: Washington is adapting on the fly. Between quarterback shuffling, special teams adjustments, and plugging holes on the defensive line, the Commanders are doing what they can to stay competitive heading into a tough divisional matchup. With the Cowboys coming to town, every depth piece and emergency plan could come into play.