Wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley has been a popular pick to make the roster of the Washington Commanders since signing as an undrafted free agent in the spring.
The Commanders were set at wide receiver with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown. However, teams usually keep around six wide receivers on the roster for depth and special teams. Some teams keep five and others keep seven, but six is often the number for most NFL teams.
So, heading into training camp, Tinsley and fellow undrafted rookie, Kazmeir Allen, were locked in a battle with Dax Milne and Marcus Kemp for the final two spots. Milne was in his third season with Washington and can also return kicks and punts. Kemp was a free-agent signing who played for offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in Kansas City and is excellent on special teams.
But as training camp began, the Commanders signed another former Chief, Byron Pringle. Pringle was quickly viewed as a favorite for the No. 5 wide receiver spot.
That meant four players could be competing for one spot. In the final preseason game, no player helped themselves more than Tinsley.
Tinsley caught three passes for 89 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown. He almost had another touchdown but was ruled down around the one-yard line.
Meanwhile, Allen struggled, dropping two passes and muffing a punt.
After the game, Tinsley spoke to reporters.
“I think it went pretty well. I took advantage of my opportunities when I got them, and I think I capitalized on them,” Tinsley said when asked about his work in training camp and the preseason.
What did the coaches tell him?
“They said, ‘Good job, your always consistent’ and things like that,” Tinsley answered.
Does he think he did enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster?
“I would say so, but that’s not up to me,” Tinsley said. “For me, I just want to control the things I can control.”
Mitchell Tinsley played well throughout camp and preseason, culminating last night w 89 rec yards and a TD. Tinsley believes he’s done enough to make the 53 but knows that’s not up to him. Full intvw here https://t.co/VSaSQP476n pic.twitter.com/vTHoZf11KD
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 27, 2023
Tinsley is correct. He took care of what he could control. Will that be enough? We shall see. If the Commanders waive Tinsley, you can bet they’ll be anxious hoping to re-sign him to the practice squad.