It didn’t take long during Washington’s Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals to realize the Commanders had found their punt returner.
And he’s a familiar face. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with Washington, was signed to the practice squad last week due to an injury to Dax Milne. On Saturday, the Commanders elevated Crowder to the 53-man roster.
During Sunday’s win, Crowder fielded three punts for 10 yards. He had another called back due to holding. No, those numbers aren’t special, but it took just one look at Crowder to realize that the Commanders should stick with him in the role.
He’s always looking for a return. He’s not back there to just fair catch the football. Eventually, Crowder will break one. While he may not return one for a touchdown, he’s a safe bet for the job because coaches know he will catch the ball inside the 10-yard line, and he’s not afraid of a return.
In a corresponding move, the Commanders waived defensive end William Bradley-King.
Washington again has seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster after signing Crowder.