Commanders defensive depth suddenly questioned

Suddenly, Washington’s safety depth will be tested, and some young players have an opportunity.

It was July 27, 2023, and Commanders Training Camp was launching a new era.

The defense had finished the 2022 season ranking first in the NFL in third-down defense, allowing the smallest percentage of third-down conversions in the league.

Fast forward two months and one week. On Monday (10/09/23), head coach Ron Rivera announced two key players were headed to the injured reserve list. Safety Darrick Forrest injured a shoulder in the last game against the Bears during the third quarter.

In addition, Safety Jeremy Reaves injured his knee against the Bears. During a punt, Reaves went down and could be seen during the live coverage of the play, immediately reach for and clutching his knee in pain.

Even further, during his press conference today, when Rivera announced the two significant players going to the IR list, he only stated they were awaiting further word, determining the severity of the two injuries.

What sort of depth do the Commanders possess, losing Reaves and Forrest? Safety Percy Butler appears to be the next man up. Butler (6-0, 190) was Washington’s fourth-round choice (113 overall) in the 2022 NFL draft.

Butler certainly possesses the physical skills. He’s faster than Forrest, but is he ready to recognize his assignments in coverage from play to play, reacting at game speed?

Reaves was a punt coverage demon in 2022, earning his Pro Bowl spot. Who will step up and be that first guy down on the punt coverage team making so many plays in Reaves absence?

The first name that comes to mind is cornerback Christian Holmes. Holmes (6-1, 205) played his college ball at Oklahoma State. In the 2022 draft, Washington selected Holmes in the 7th (final) round with the 240th overall selection. Holmes has already been playing on the punt coverage team, so who will be the new person to play on punt coverage?

Terrell Burgess (safety), who was with the Commanders in training camp and the preseason looks to be a candidate to be elevated to the active roster.  He was drafted by the Rams in the 2020 draft, in the third round (104 overall).

After playing his college ball at Utah, Burgess saw action in seven games in 2020 and 16 in 2021, both with the Rams. In 2022 he participated in seven games with the Rams and one with the Giants.

As for Reaves, the fan favorite took to social media to thank the fans for their love and well wishes.