The Washington Commanders entered Saturday’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs banged up. Washington had several players sit with minor injuries, such as tight ends John Bates and Cole Turner and offensive linemen Charles Leno, Andrew Norwell, Trai Turner and Wes Schweitzer.
Initially, many figured Leno, Washington’s starting left tackle, sat because there was no reason for him to play. However, after the game, head coach Ron Rivera said Leno didn’t travel with the team due to “a slight medical issue.”
Rivera didn’t get into specifics on Leno, but it doesn’t appear serious.
The Commanders only had two of their projected five starting offensive linemen on the field Saturday. One of them, center Chase Roullier, was back on the field for the first time since Week 8 last season due to a broken fibula.
For Roullier, there were no setbacks, and he is on track for Week 1 vs. Jacksonville.
“I think this game just built my confidence more and my ability to do that week one and barring any setbacks I think we are going to be good to go,” Roullier said after the game.
During the game, cornerback Corn Elder, who is having a strong training camp, was injured in the end zone when he nearly came down with an interception. Nicki Jhavala of The Washington Post reported Elder was in concussion protocol.
DE Bunmi Rotimi was downgraded to OUT with a leg injury.
And CB Corn Elder is in the concussion protocol.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 20, 2022
Reserve defensive end Bunmi Rotimi, who flashed at times last season and is battling to make the roster, left the game with a leg injury. There were no updates on his status following the game.
Finally, undrafted rookie tight end Armani Rogers left the game with an undisclosed injury. It’s unknown the severity of his injury or if he’ll miss any time.
Armani Rogers just went to the locker room.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 20, 2022
Rogers started the game with so many injuries at tight end and continues to stake his claim for a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Commanders are back on the field next Saturday for the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. We’ll keep you posted on Washington’s numerous injuries throughout the week.