Lucas Patrick signed with the Commanders on Wednesday, and instantly became Washington’s most experienced interior offensive lineman. Laremy Tunsil is the only offensive linemen with longer tenure. The team announced four roster moves in total, and a significant injury blow at linebacker.
A Veteran Arrives Up Front
Patrick brings 10 NFL seasons and 65 career starts to Washington. The 33-year-old entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Duke in 2016, then spent five years with Green Bay. Stops in Chicago, New Orleans, and Cincinnati followed. His versatility stands out most: he has appeared in 28 career starts at center, 19 at left guard, and 18 at right guard.
He now sits behind a young interior group. Nick Allegretti started Week 1 at center, his first season ever playing the position. Chris Paul and Sam Cosmi flanked him at guard. Patrick likely overtakes rookie Matt Gulbin as the primary backup across all three of those spots.
The Timing Was Deliberate
Washington had tracked Patrick since the Giants released him at the end of August. He’d signed a one-year deal with New York in April, then battled a knee injury through camp. Waiting until after Week 1 saved the Commanders money. As a veteran, Patrick would have earned a fully guaranteed salary had he made the roster before the opener.
Washington also worked out seven other players Tuesday. Patrick wasn’t among them — he visited separately.
Magee Lands on IR
The roster news weren’t all additions. Washington placed linebacker Jordan Magee on injured reserve with a hamstring injury suffered against Philadelphia. He’ll miss at least four games before becoming eligible to return.
The timing hurts. Frankie Luvu is already managing a strained groin, thinning an already shallow room. Magee played nine defensive snaps against the Eagles plus 22 on special teams, where he’d carved out real value.
Practice Squad Reinforcements
Washington responded by adding two linebackers to the practice squad: outside linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. and linebacker Austin Keys. Both give the team insurance while Magee recovers and Luvu works through his injury.
The Commanders travel to Dallas on Sunday for their Week 2 matchup with the Cowboys.