Tag: 2022 Initial 53-Man Roster

Rookie TE Armani Rogers impressing the Commanders

The Commanders may have found a gem in Armani Rogers.

Armani Rogers is really just getting started.

Washington Commanders tight end Armani Rogers has shown flashes during the preseason. What is even more encouraging is Rogers, unlike most other tight ends, played quarterback his entire college career.

In his first attempt with an NFL team as a tight end, Rogers has already shown enough, putting enough on film, that the Commanders personnel management and coaches determined they wanted to protect Rogers from other teams claiming him. Consequently, Washington did not risk hoping the first-year novice tight end would clear waivers. No, they protected Rogers by naming him to the initial 53-man roster for this 2022 season.

Rogers (6-5, 225) spent his first three years as a college quarterback at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) before moving on to Ohio University for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Ironically, Rogers attempted more passes as a freshman than he did any other season. Rogers was in offenses where he was not asked to pass much, attempting 189 passes that freshman season and 117 his sophomore year.

On to Ohio U, Rogers only appeared in three games in 2020 before appearing in 12 games in his final season. In that 2021 season, Rogers completed 29 of 49 attempts (59.2%) for 350 yards (7.1 YPA). However, he did run the ball 92 times for 552 yards (6.0 YPA), scoring 7 touchdowns.

Consequently, Rogers was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he practiced and played as a tight end.

The Commanders liked what they saw in Rogers, thinking he might have potential, and signed Armani (May 2) as an undrafted free agent. It has been new, and at times it has not been easy for Rogers in needing to learn his new position. Yet, he has displayed athleticism and toughness.

If a tight end is going to make it, he must not only learn how to run routes and catch the ball but also must not be shy about getting his hands dirty and learning to block well enough to help in the running game. Notice below his block (#88) at the point of attack on this Brian Robinson run against Kansas City. Rogers lines up just behind and outside the left tackle.

Once he catches the ball, Rogers really likes to run with it. In fact, he once had the enjoyment of running 99 yards for a touchdown for the Ohio U Bobcats against Buffalo U.

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Commanders make roster moves, more moves to come

A look at some of Washington’s roster moves from Tuesday. Could the Commanders be busy the rest of the week?

The initial 53-man roster has been set.

The Commanders kept 27 offensive players, 23 defensive players and three specialists. This reveals the coaches and front office are concerned about the defensive personnel. So, they were willing to go ahead and release a couple of extra defensive players and will be searching through those players released and waived by other NFL teams, in hopes of picking up perhaps two players.

The five linebackers the Commanders kept were Cole Holcomb, Jamin Davis, David Mayo, Milo Eifler and De’Jon Harris. Harris is the biggest surprise. But of course, coaches are in the meetings and on practice fields knowing much more than we do.

I see the New Orleans Saints released linebacker Jon Bostic. Just kidding. They liked the person, the leader Jon Bostic, but he was out of position so often in pass coverage. They are not going to re-sign Jon Bostic.

Seriously, I can’t help but notice Landon Collins is still out there available. The coaches are obviously not happy with their linebackers. Would they contact Collins to see if he is interested in being signed to once again fill the Buffalo Nickel role?

Has Collins determined he has made enough money that he is no longer willing to play the Buffalo Nickel for Washington? On the other side of the coin, did the front office burn their bridges with Collins, asking him to take a second reduction in salary last Spring?

Only keeping four cornerbacks on the initial 53-man roster is sure to change Wednesday. Kendall Fuller, William Jackson III and Benjamin St-Juste were expected. Seventh-round draft choice Christian Holmes out of Oklahoma State is the fourth corner. With only one injury, the cornerback position is nothing short of precarious. They no doubt are going to sign another corner.

Jonathan Williams was kept out of the final preseason game while Jaret Patterson played. That was revealing. They value Williams more; Patterson was cut Tuesday. Brian Robinson may still open the season on an injured list. This would mean more carries for Williams, helping Gibson carry the load, while McKissic will be counted upon as a very valuable third-down weapon.

Stay tuned; Wednesday will be a super busy day for Ron Rivera, Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney.

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