Until this week, the Washington Commanders haven’t had their projected offensive line together on the field at the same time. Throughout training camp and the first two weeks of the preseason, all but right tackle Sam Cosmi has missed a portion of camp with an injury.
Guard Trai Turner missed all of camp until this week. Head coach Ron Rivera stated that if this were the regular season, Turner would likely be practicing, but there was no need. Guard Andrew Norwell missed some time over the past week after a dominant performance in Washington’s first preseason game.
Center Chase Roullier began camp on the physically unable to perform list but has slowly worked his way into the lineup and started in last week’s preseason game at Kansas City.
Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. missed last week’s game but is back. Then, top reserves, tackle Cornelius Lucas and guard/center Wes Schweitzer also missed time.
All are back now, just as the Commanders wrap up the preseason against the Ravens on Saturday. It’s unknown which players will suit up on Saturday. Rivera did say starters would play on a “very limited” basis.
While it has been difficult for Rivera and the offensive staff, it has given young players like rookie Chris Paul and third-year pro Saahdiq Charles valuable practice and playing experience.
Rivera praised some of Washington’s young offensive linemen this summer, including Charles, on Thursday.
“Saahdiq’s had a pretty good camp,” Rivera said. “It’s a lot to ask a guy to work all three of those positions, but he’s done a nice job at it. And position flex for a guy is important, and he’s still a young guy, still developing and growing. But the more he knows, I think the better it’ll help him in his game.”
Charles, who played left tackle at LSU, has played tackle and guard in the NFL. That type of versatility makes him valuable, especially on game days.
Over the past two years, Washington began each season with questions about the offensive line. However, by the end of the season, they were ranked among the top 10 offensive lines in the NFL. Offensive line coach John Matsko is one of the best, and Washington’s depth each season contributed to the group’s success.
Barring catastrophic injuries, expect Washington’s offensive line to be a team strength in 2022.
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