The Washington Commanders finally received some good news on the injury front Monday when starting tight end Logan Thomas was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
The Commanders only had two healthy tight ends for last week’s preseason game. Undrafted rookie Armani Rogers and recently signed Eli Wolf. Rogers left the game with an undisclosed injury, while Wolf was placed on injured reserve Monday.
These injuries, in addition to Thomas, John Bates (calf), Cole Turner (hamstring), Sammis Reyes (hamstring) and Curtis Hodges, have left Washington shorthanded.
Thomas was back on the field Monday morning and certainly looked ready to go.
Logan Thomas going through individual drills. Wearing a brace but looks explosive. pic.twitter.com/xToF0LVNlv
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 22, 2022
After practice, Thomas met with the media and expressed how happy was to be back on the field.
“Felt good,” Thomas said. “I’ve kind of been in individual since December. Felt good to be back, part of a team. That’s what means most for me.”
While Thomas feels good, he is relying on Washington’s doctors for a full return to action. Thomas stated Week 1 vs. Jacksonville is the obvious goal, but he will not push things.
“Obviously, as a competitor, yeah, I’d love to be out there Week 1, but I know myself,” Thomas said. “If I’m not ready to go or I don’t feel like a full version of myself, then we can buy another week or another two weeks. Games are ultra-meaningful, whether they’re early in the season or late in the season. So, I’d love to be out there.”
Head coach Ron Rivera isn’t taking any chances either, saying he didn’t need to see Thomas on the field in the preseason.
“Just a lot of work, once he’s cleared to start working with the quarterbacks and stuff like that, you know, right now it’s all about positional drills, individual drills, and then eventually the next step will be obviously running and catching the ball,” Rivera said. “But as soon as we can, it’ll be great. But again, we’re not going to force anybody out there early.”
Washington players were excited to see Thomas back on the field Monday. In addition to being of the Commanders’ best offensive players, he’s also one the team’s more respected leaders.
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