After a breakout season in 2020, Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas has missed a combined 14 games over the past two seasons. Thomas tore his ACL and has also dealt with hamstring and calf injuries.
So when Thomas missed a good portion of training camp with a calf injury, there was some concern the injury would linger into the season for the 32-year-old Thomas.
However, head coach Ron Rivera said the injury wasn’t as severe as the calf injury Thomas dealt with last season and that the team was just being cautious.
It made sense. There was no reason for the Commanders to push Thomas in the preseason. Also, it allowed young tight ends John Bates, Cole Turner and Curtis Hodges to get more reps.
Thomas was back on the practice field this weekend and appears headed for a Week 1 return.
Logan Thomas running individual drills with his teammates. He’s going half speed on purpose, as are all the other players catching passes during this drill, but it’s another positive sign for his progress pic.twitter.com/qBiIWbcj6A
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 30, 2023
Thomas spoke to reporters after practice this week and said he was feeling good.
“Feel good, I feel much better,” Thomas said. ” I feel good; I feel back to normal.”
Thomas was then asked if there were any limitations.
“No, no, after yesterday, I don’t think there’s any limitations,” Thomas answered.
If this were the regular season, would the injury have been handled differently?
“Yes, absolutely; I think Ron spoke to that a couple of times, too,” Thomas said. “I would’ve been on a different plane moving forward.”
Thomas’ return is great news for the Commanders, with the tight end expected to be featured heavily in new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense. Washington kept four tight ends on the initial 53-man roster this week.
Logan Thomas is back!!
The Commanders tight end has recovered from a calf strain.
Logan said today, "I feel back to normal."
I would expect to see Logan Thomas out there for the season opener against Arizona. pic.twitter.com/NMIkkWLodE
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 30, 2023