The Washington Commanders finalized their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. Two days later, Washington placed two of its 11 defensive linemen on the reserve/injured list to begin the season.
On Wednesday, it was second-year defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis with a calf injury. Fortunately, it will be a stint on short-term IR for Mathis, and he’ll be eligible to return for Week 5.
On Thursday, the news came that defensive end Efe Obada would also land on the reserve/injured list. Obada was an underrated member of Washington’s defense last season. He can play defensive end and defensive tackle.
Head coach Ron Rivera said Obada was dealing with a patella issue and that this would also be a short-term IR stint for Obada.
To replace those players on the roster, Washington made the re-signing of center Tyler Larsen official and also brought back veteran defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson. Anderson signed with the Commanders in March and was released during final cuts.
Rivera spoke on the injuries and Washington’s plan moving forward.
“Those two guys gone [Obada and Mathis], we’re going to count on a veteran guy in Abdullah Anderson to step up and help out and then [DT] Benning Potoa’e,” Rivera said. “I hope I said that right. I apologize, Benning. He is a guy that we may have to pop up depending on what happens. We’re going to rely a little bit on the young guys to help round out the rest of that group.”
Potoa’e was released during final cuts and re-signed with Washington’s practice squad.
Roster moves:
– Signed C Tyler Larsen and DT Abdullah Anderson
– Placed DT Phidarian Mathis and DE Efe Obada on the Reserve/Injured List
– Signed LB Jabril Cox to the practice squad pic.twitter.com/F4YoHiMjxZ— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 31, 2023