Washington also loads up at wide receiver and leaves room for a move at cornerback.
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The Washington Commanders cut their roster to 53 players Sunday. As always, it’s important to remember that things will remain in flux the next couple of days when assessing the team.
Left tackle Laremy Tunsil (torn triceps) and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (torn pectoral) were listed on the active roster but are expected to be placed on injured reserve later this week, according to a person familiar with the situation. (That person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal team matters.) That’ll free up two roster spots, one of which is expected to be used on defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Cornerback Trey Amos (ankle sprain) and running back Jeremy McNichols (quad strain) were placed on injured reserve with a designation for return. They’ll be eligible to play after missing the first four games of the season. Defensive end Deatrich Wise (quad) was left on the physically unable to perform list, so he’ll also have to miss the first four games. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong was placed on the reserve/suspended list — he was suspended for one game for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy — and will be eligible to return in Week 2.
The following offensive players were released: quarterback Sam Hartman; running backs Robert Henry Jr. and Craig Reynolds; tight ends Lawrence Cager, Tre McKitty and Quentin Moore; wide receivers Van Jefferson, Jaden Bradley, Jacoby Jones, Nick Nash; centers Julian Good-Jones and Trey Hill; guards Max Scharping and Daniel Brunskill; and tackles Trent Scott and Nicholas Petit-Frere.
Washington released these defensive players: tackles Tuttle, Maurice Hurst II, Byron Cowart and Jeffrey M’ba; outside linebackers D.J. Johnson, Boogie Basham and T.J. Maguranyanga; inside linebackers Ale Kaho, Curtis Jacobs and Krys Barnes; cornerbacks Antonio Hamilton Sr., Fabian Moreau, Darius Rush, Fred Davis and Car’lin Vigers; and safeties Joshuah Bledsoe, Quindell Johnson and Qwuantrezz Knight.
Players who were released and have fewer than four accrued seasons in the NFL must clear the waiver wire before they become free agents. The waiver wire order is the same as this year’s draft, so the Commanders are seventh. Teams have until 1 p.m. Eastern time Monday to claim players.
Vested veterans aren’t subject to the waiver wire. Washington, which opens the season at the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 13, can sign 17 players to its practice squad.
Here’s my analysis of the Commanders’ initial roster:
Quarterback (3)
Kaliakmanis and Hartman were neck-and-neck for most of training camp, but the rookie separated himself in the last couple weeks. With Mariota nursing a sprained MCL, Kaliakmanis could back up Daniels in Week 1. Looking ahead, the hope is Kaliakmanis grows into that role long term.
Croskey-Merritt is the lead back, but expect to see a heavy dosage of White and Allen. With McNichols out, the Commanders will probably call up a player from the practice squad to round out the running back room.
This is a lot of wide receivers, but the Commanders are high on both Brown and Burks. Brown has a strong rapport with Daniels and has inside-outside versatility. And while Burks has struggled to remain healthy throughout his career, he has unique physical traits that give him enticing potential. McCaffrey and Lane add value as returners on special teams.
Offensive coordinator David Blough plans to use a lot of formations with multiple tight ends, so depth here is key. One critique: This group lacks versatility. Bates is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL, but Okonkwo, Sinnott and Yankoff are receiving specialists. They’ll need to hold up as blockers for formations with two or three tight ends to be effective.
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This is easily the most concerning position group. Losing left tackle Tunsil to a torn triceps was bad enough, but there’s also a major question mark at center. Allegretti missed most of training camp with a calf strain and is still on the mend. If he’s not ready to play Week 1, then Gulbin, who beat out Good-Jones for the backup job, will be the starter.
Plus, even once he’s healthy, there’s no guarantee that Allegretti is an effective starter at center. He’s been a backup for most of his career and has spent most of his time at guard. Washington may ultimately need to add veteran help at center.
Togiai is the biggest surprise on the roster. The undrafted rookie made a surge late in camp at guard.
Defensive tackle (5)
Payne, Kinlaw and Settle doesn’t have the most pass rush upside — they combined for just four sacks last year — but they should be stout against the run. When the Commanders go to a five-man front, Settle will be the primary nose tackle while Payne and Kinlaw can move along the line of scrimmage. Barber brings some pass rush juice off the bench.
Defensive end (1)
Omenihu spends most of his time lined up as a defensive tackle, but he’s technically listed as a defensive end on the roster. This spot looks thin now, but it’ll be fine once Armstrong and Wise are ready to return. The Commanders also have the option to bring back Maguranyanga on the practice squad through the international pathway program.
Outside linebacker (4)
Oweh (calf) and Chaisson (knee) are both nursing injuries. Even if they get healthy, Josephs and Jean-Baptiste should get some playing time against the Eagles with Armstrong and Wise unavailable.
Inside linebacker (5)
Chenal is technically a backup, but he’ll be on the field often as a third linebacker. He can line up both as an off-ball linebacker and along the line of scrimmage as an edge rusher. Magee and Medrano will largely be special teams contributors barring injury.
Cornerback (3)
The Commanders can’t go into a game with only three cornerbacks, so there will surely be some movement here. What’ll be interesting is where everyone lines up. Washington prefers Sainristil at nickelback, but he may move outside in Amos’s absence. Another option is Douglas, who can play inside and outside.
Safety (5)
Cross is locked in as the starter at strong safety, but free safety looks to be a rotational spot between Reaves and Martin. Washington also used three-safety formations often during training camp, with Martin lined up as a slot defender.
Kicker: Drew Stevens
Punter: Tress Way
Long snapper: Tyler Ott
The Commanders are rolling the dice on Stevens, who’s the 20th kicker they’ve signed since 2020. He has a cannon for the leg, but his accuracy is a question mark. The undrafted rookie will need to find consistency to keep this job.
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