Washington Commanders OTA News And Notes

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The Washington Commanders began their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week with practices on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It is the first time in the offseason that rookies and veterans are permitted to come together. After finishing last in the NFC East in 2022, and proclaiming second year quarterback Sam Howell as the starting quarterback in the offseason, there is a lot to work on.

Man Down

Washington opted not to select any tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft. Was that a good idea given the injuries at the position? Given that the one guy in the tight end room that wasn’t having any issues just ruptured his achilles tendon, it might prove to be a mistake. Considering the rookie tight end class was said to be deep in talent, and that Washington has struggled recently for production there, it was perhaps a major faux pas.

Armani Rogers will undoubtedly miss the entire 2023 season. Tough break for a kid that showed some promise last season. He hurt it in a non-contact drill to add to his chagrin.

Rogers is a former college quarterback who converted to tight end. He may only have had five receptions for 64 yards in three starts last season, but showed real promise given that he is still learning the position.

The Commanders will now definitely have to hope that Logan Thomas, John Bates and Cole Turner can stay healthy. That’s a big ask given the team’s problems with injuries at the position for the last decade-plus.

Skipping It

Three of the Commanders starters, are sitting this one out. Defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat and offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. did not attend the OTA sessions.

For Leno, with a new offensive coordinator in Eric Bieniemy, every opportunity to come together and learn his scheme is advantageous. Still, these sessions ARE voluntary. Head Coach Ron Rivera has always said that he really would like players to attend though.

As for Young, limiting the wear and tear on his surgically repaired knee is probably a reasonable decision, but it’s easy to speculate that this may have more to do with not having his option year exercised. Young and Sweat did participate in the early part of the offseason program, but are said to be training off-site during the OTA sessions.

Coach Rivera of course downplayed the situation, “They’re working out. They’re progressing, getting themselves ready to go. … We’ll see them when they have to be here.”

On Leno, Rivera said, “Charles has been in the system, and I think that’s probably part of why he’s not here.” Leno is said to be spending time with his young family.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm

Fourth-year safety Kam Curl is healthy. Let’s get that out of the way. He participated in individual drills this week. 
However when it came time for Team Drills – Curl watched from behind the end zone, wearing a helmet and jersey.
The reasons are uncertain, but again, it’s easy to speculate that this has nothing to do with health and everything to do with his contract situation.

Looking To Impress

Undrafted free agent Kazmeir Allen has made an impression. The wide receiver out of UCLA has been mentioned a few times by Coach Rivera. Does he have a shot at making the team?
His best shot will come as a return man – something that Washington needs after senselessly letting DeAndre Carter go two offseasons ago.
Allen has a positive attitude about his position and chances, “My mindset is I was drafted. I didn’t come in here with an undrafted mindset. I came in here to learn, work and add value to the team.”
Washington invited more than 50 players to the rookie camp with the hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. Rivera said that the idea came from Bieniemy who thought that having a full roster of players at the Rookie Camp would allow them to more closely emulate training camp situations.

OTA Schedule

The OTA workouts will pick up again, with three more days starting on Tuesday of this week (May 30th – June 1st).

As per the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams are permitted a total of ten days of organized team practices. No live contact is allowed, but teams can do 7-on-7s, 9-on-7s, and 11-on-11 drills.
There will be a mandatory Mini Camp for Washington coming up from June 6th through 8th.
There will also be one more day of OTAs on June 13th.