Tag: 53 man roster

Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. making the most of opportunities

Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez delivers every time he is called upon.

How would you like it said of you, that you really deliver when needed?

Monday, at his press conference, head coach Dan Quinn offered this praise to running back Chris Rodriguez.

Being drafted No. 193 overall in the 2023 NFL draft certainly shouldn’t leave a player overconfident in his abilities. That’s the case with Rodriguez, who was drafted out of Kentucky yet is always working and preparing for his opportunity.

It was fitting that Rodriguez scored the final touchdown Sunday in the Commanders’ 42-19 win over the Titans. Rodriguez has shown he can play special teams, yet he was released last week, missing the frustrating loss to the Cowboys.

No other team claimed Rodriguez, so the Commanders picked him up again. With Austin Ekeler going on IR last week, Rodriguez was again needed. And he certainly delivered when called upon Sunday, rushing 13 times for 94 yards, including a 25-yard long run.

As a result, in his second season, he is gaining the trust of others, including Quinn.

“Yeah, we really have a lot of confidence in him, and he’s just somebody that through practice and through the opportunities that he gets, he really delivers on that. I thought he’s got good vision as a runner.”

This season, Rodriguez has run the ball 265 times, gaining 150 yards (5.8 a carry). So, the touchdown at the end, when Rodriguez scored, you could visibly see the joy some of the linemen exhibited, happy that Rodriguez had gotten into the end zone.

“There’s a lot of trust that’s built between him, his teammates, the staff, Quinn added. And so, when he’s called upon, he’s really ready to deliver. And really that whole running back room kind of emphasizes that.”

Quinn was asked if Rodriguez being released and brought back twice this season might be awkward or lead to emotional moments with Rodriguez.

“You would think so, but it’s actually been just the opposite. And I can imagine even from last Saturday we had to make a roster move with him where he wasn’t going to be on the 53. So, that whole process to go and for him to come out, ‘Hey man, this is where I want to be.’ And so, for us knowing that about him and us feeling the same way, what could have been some instances of that has just actually been the opposite.”

Browns sign promising rookie off Commanders practice squad

Other teams are now signing players off Washington’s practice squad.

The Adam Peters effect is real. Since Peters was hired in January and reshaped the Commanders’ roster, other NFL teams are now signing players off Washington’s practice squad.

This week, the Cleveland Browns signed undrafted rookie cornerback Chigozie Anusiem off Washington’s practice squad to their 53-man roster. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound corner played collegiately at California before finishing his career at Colorado State.

After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders gave Anusiem a $50K signing bonus and a $300K base salary guarantee to sign with them as an undrafted free agent.

Anusiem showed promise throughout the offseason. While he didn’t make Washington’s initial 53-man roster, the Commanders quickly re-signed him to their practice squad. He has yet to appear in an NFL game.

Washington currently has five cornerbacks on the 53-man roster: Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes and Michael Davis. While Lattimore has yet to make his Washington debut since being acquired in a trade two weeks ago, there is optimism he’ll be available in Week 12 vs. Dallas.

Commanders elevate two from practice squad ahead of Monday Night Football

Washington elevates two players to the 53-man roster ahead of MNF.

It’s gameday and the Washington Commanders are set to face the Cincinnati Bengals on the Week 3 edition of Monday Night Football.

Ahead of Monday night, the Commanders elevated two players from the practice squad: Cornerback Bobby Price and defensive end Andre Jones Jr.

Price, 26, was signed to the practice squad after the initial 53-man roster was finalized. The Commanders elevated Price to the gameday roster before last week’s game against the New York Giants. He did not play on defense, but did participate in eight snaps on specials teams.

Price’s ascension gives Washington depth, with cornerback Emmanuel Forbes likely out another week.

Jones, a seventh-round pick in 2023, will see his first action of the season. Starting defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who also leads the Commanders in sacks (two), is out with a knee injury.

Former first-round pick Jamin Davis should see increased snaps at edge rusher against the Bengals after not playing last week.

Expect the Saints to add more offensive linemen soon

If there’s one place to expect the Saints to make changes after the initial 53-man roster, it’s the offensive line. Expect moves this week:

The initial 53-man roster is never the final roster. Cuts from other teams get picked up, and sometimes teams will pick up players they previously waived. One place you can expect to look different on the New Orleans Saints roster is offensive line.

First and foremost, they only kept eight offensive linemen when they typically keep nine. The versatility of some depth pieces may have contributed to this. Taliese Fuaga, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz are locked in.

Trevor Penning and Lucas Patrick will be  penciled in as the starters, but New Orleans should still look to add competition at right tackle and left guard. Those easily feel like the most uncertain positions along the offensive line.

Competition remained there until the end of camp with little optimism sparking at right tackle. The Saints may have to start Penning as their right tackle, but he hasn’t done enough to keep them from looking elsewhere.

Whether it’s a starter or depth, New Orleans likely isn’t done tweaking the offensive line room.

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Commanders coach Dan Quinn explains why two undrafted players made 53-man roster

Quinn explains what makes these two UDFAs special.

Adam Peters made it known that the roster he inherited with the Washington Commanders was not good. When asked his thoughts on the roster upon his hiring in January, Peters’ silence spoke volumes.

Perhaps Peters was using his poker face. However, when free agency arrived in March, it was clear what Peters thought of the Commanders’ roster, signing over 20 outside free agents.

On Tuesday, Peters finalized his first 53-man roster. He didn’t keep many draft picks from the prior regime. In fact, only two players remain from Washington’s 2023 draft class, one of which will be playing for his Commanders’ future in 2024.

Peters’ initial 53-man roster included his rookie draft class and two undrafted free agents. Two UDFAs making the roster is proof of Peters and Dan Quinn’s philosophy of competition over everything.

The two undrafted rookies making the roster were safety Tyler Owens and tight end Colson Yankoff.

After Tuesday’s final cuts, Quinn spoke to the media and discussed Owens and Yankoff making the roster.

“I’d say both of them really have the propensity to absolutely go for it,” Quinn said per Ben Standig of The Athletic. “You feel their intensity, you feel their speed when they play, both on special teams and on offense and defense, respectively. At the end of it, when you’re really trying to establish an identity that you’ve heard me use that word before, I think those examples come back up. The speed, the physicality, the effort, the straining, those are things that are Commander-style plays and I thought those two really represented that.”

That’s quite the way to describe the qualities you’re looking for. Peters and Quinn don’t care about draft status. They want players who love football and leave everything on the field, on every snap. Undrafted rookies often bring that type of energy.

In addition to bringing maximum effort, Owens and Yankoff are terrific athletes. Owens has world-class athleticism and excellent size, while Yankoff has played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, kick returner, and now tight end. He should be a fun chess piece for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Most coaches and new regimes need to search for an identity. Quinn and Peters appear to have found that identity, and these two undrafted rookies perfectly symbolize that identity.

Will Peters and Quinn bring former players to the Commanders?

Will Peters and Quinn look to their former teams to continue adding to Washington’s roster?

The initial 53-man roster for the Commanders is just that…initial.

There will be changes beginning tomorrow. NFL teams are permitted to grab players released from other teams before they can begin to sign players to their own practice squads.

Consequently, we can look for two things on Wednesday.

1. Adam Peters is undoubtedly examining the 49ers’ players released Tuesday. Peters, who learned the trade as a scout and then a director of scouting from 2003-16, served with the 49ers as vice president of player personnel (2017-20) and assistant general manager (2021-23).

Peters knows most of their roster and will know several of those released on Tuesday. However, he will most likely not go out and sign a 32-year-old to help him win this year. Yet, if Peters sees a younger player who he feels can help at a thin position, such as (offensive tackle, wide receiver, or cornerback), he might grab him.

2. Dan Quinn was the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator (2021-23), and Joe Whitt was his defensive backs coach. Those two will no doubt be looking for defensive help from one or two Cowboys who were released Tuesday.

How many players will Peters bring to the Commanders? There won’t be many because there is only so much time until the season opens. Yet, don’t be surprised if Peters does bring in a few as he attempts to rebuild the roster that former head coach Ron Rivera formed in his four seasons in Washington.

Predicting Commanders’ practice squad

We predict Washington’s initial 2024 practice squad.

The Washington Commanders and 31 other NFL teams released approximately 1,184 players over the past few days. NFL teams had until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to finalize their 53-man roster, which produced a flurry of moves in a short time.

To arrive at their initial 53-man roster, players were waived or put on injured reserve to begin the season. The Commanders released 34 players and placed linebacker Jordan Magee, defensive lineman Norell Pollard, and defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth on the Reserve/Injured List. Washington also placed defensive end Efe Obada on the reserve/PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

While the Commanders finished their 53-man roster, it will change— and soon. Washington is No. 2 in waiver priority and could claim multiple players, meaning there will be more changes.

In addition to the 53-man roster, NFL teams can have a 16-man practice squad, 17 if you add a player from the International Player Pathway Program.

With a larger practice squad these days, teams can re-sign players they’ve waived and already had in the building. That’s especially important during the season when injuries are a concern. So, as we predict Washington’s first practice squad of 2024, you’ll notice it will be full of players with the team in training camp.

Here’s our Washington practice squad predictions:

  • QB Sam Hartman
  • RB Michael Wiley
  • WR Kaz Allen
  • WR Mitchell Tinsley
  • WR Brycen Tremayne
  • WR Martavis Bryant
  • T Braeden Daniels
  • G Julian Good-Jones
  • T David Nwaogwugwu
  • DE Andre Jones Jr.
  • CB Chigozie Anusiem
  • LB Anthony Pittman
  • S Sheldrick Redwine
  • CB Tariq Castro-Fields
  • CB Eric Scott
  • WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint

 

 

Here is the Commanders’ initial 53-man roster

Here’s a look at the Commanders’ initial 53-man roster.

The Washington Commanders have their first 53-man roster of the 2024 NFL season. While some teams began releasing players after their final preseason games, Washington did not make any moves until Tuesday morning.

Early in the day, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reported that tight end Cole Turner and defensive tackle John Ridgeway were available for trade. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN also reported that center Ricky Stromberg was available. However, the Commanders eventually released Stromberg and Turner on Tuesday evening after not finding a trade partner.

Before we reveal the roster, remember that this is an initial 53-man roster and will change frequently. The Commanders are No. 2 in the waiver wire order and are expected to be active.

Quarterback (3)

  • Jayden Daniels
  • Marcus Mariota
  • Jeff Driskel

Running back (3)

  • Brian Robinson Jr.
  • Austin Ekeler
  • Jeremy McNichols

Wide receiver (6)

  • Terry McLaurin
  • Dyami Brown
  • Luke McCaffrey
  • Olamide Zaccheaus
  • Jamison Crowder
  • Byron Pringle

Tight end (4)

  • Zach Ertz
  • John Bates
  • Ben Sinnott
  • Colson Yankoff

Offensive line (9)

  • Brandon Coleman
  • Nick Allegretti
  • Tyler Biadasz
  • Sam Cosmi
  • Andrew Wylie
  • Cornelius Lucas
  • Trent Scott
  • Michael Deiter
  • Chris Paul

Defensive tackle (5)

  • Jonathan Allen
  • Daron Payne
  • Jer’Zhan Newton
  • Phidarian Mathis
  • John Ridgeway III

Defensive end (4)

  • Clelin Ferrell
  • Dorance Armstrong
  • Javontae Jean-Baptiste
  • Jamin Davis

Linebacker (5)

  • Bobby Wagner
  • Frankie Luvu
  • Dante Fowler Jr.
  • Mykal Walker
  • Dominique Hampton

Cornerback (5)

  • Mike Sainristil
  • Benjamin St-Juste
  • Emmanuel Forbes
  • Michael Davis
  • Noah Igbinoghene

Safety (6)

  • Jeremy Chinn
  • Quan Martin
  • Jeremy Reaves
  • Percy Butler
  • Tyler Owens
  • Darrick Forrest

Specialists (3)

  • Tress Way
  • Tyler Ott
  • Cade York

Young Commanders running back ‘could handle feature role’ if given chance

The Commanders have a difficult decision to make at running back.

The Washington Commanders were praised for selecting former Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. During his time in the SEC, Rodriguez rushed for 3,644 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt and 32 touchdowns. Many believed that Rodriguez was a steal.

Overall, the Commanders’ draft class was underwhelming, but Rodriguez performed well when he had an opportunity. He appeared in 13 games and carried the ball 51 times for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Like starting running back Brian Robinson Jr., Rodriguez didn’t receive enough opportunities last season under former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports believes Rodriguez could handle a featured-back role if given the chance.

Rodriguez is a throwback runner — wide frame, downhill style and linebackers glance off him when he really gets the legs churning, even between the tackles. At nearly 6-0 and 217 pounds, he’s plenty big enough to shoulder a sizable load if needed, although he’ll start his second season in the nation’s capital behind Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler.

Fascinatingly, in the SEC, at nearly the same time frame, Rodriguez averaged 4.00 yards after contact in his Kentucky career. Robinson averaged 3.38. Rodriguez’s contact balance and sheer force through contact are no joke. And, as a rookie in 2023, the former Wildcat icon demonstrated everything power-related to his game translates. On just 51 attempts with the Commanders, his yards after contact average was 3.65. Now, of course, he didn’t qualify for most rushing metrics, yet that 3.65 YAC rate would’ve ranked fourth in the NFL, right ahead of Breece Hall.

There’s a glimmer of wiggle to Rodriguez’s game, too, just in case you were wondering if he was only capable of running through walls in a straight line. The Washington backfield is in good hands because of the depth built there.

Does Washington’s new regime feel the same way about Rodriguez? Entering training camp, Rodriguez seemed like a no-brainer to be the No. 3 running back behind Robinson and Ekeler. However, throughout training camp and the preseason, it’s appeared that veteran Jeremy McNichols and rookie Michael Wiley are ahead of Rodriguez.

McNichols was with San Francisco last season, where new Commanders running backs coach Anthony Lynn was an assistant.

NFL teams have until 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday to trim their rosters to 53 players. Will Washington move on from Rodriguez? If they do, Rodriguez is a player who will almost assuredly be claimed off waivers.

Who is playing for the Commanders final roster spots?

Which Commanders are battling for the final spots on the roster?

Sunday’s final preseason game is a snoozer on one hand, but on the other hand, some Commanders players are playing to stay employed.

Has Marcus Mariota performed well enough that the Commanders would only keep him and Jayden Daniels? Jeff Driskel on the other hand, with another good performance, might cause the staff to keep a third quarterback.

With Jahan Dotson traded, if Washington keeps six receivers, Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Luke McCaffrey are locks. Byron Pringle, Brycen Tremayne, Kazmeir Allen, Martavis Bryant, and Jamison Crowder are battling.

At tight end, who will get the fourth spot on the roster, Cole Turner or Colson Yankoff?

Has Michael Wiley performed well enough to pass Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols as the third running back?

As for the offensive line? Perhaps Adam Peters will sign a released player next week. If he thinks he can improve the protection for Jayden Daniels, he will do it. Ricky Stromberg, Michael Deiter, Braeden Daniels, Julian Good-Jones, Trent Scott and Chris Paul are all battling for the final spots.

At defensive tackle, are Phidarian Mathis, John Ridgeway, Benning Potoa’e and Norell Pollard battling for two spots?

At defensive end, K.J Henry, Jalen Harris, Jamin Davis, Javonte Jean-Baptiste and Andre Jones can’t all be on the roster.

Anthony Pittman, Mykal Walker, and Dominique Hampton might be striving for the final linebacker spot.

At corner, who gets the last spot? Is it Chigozie Anusiem, Noah Igbinoghene, Tariq Castro-Fields, or James Pierre?

Safety might be the deepest spot on the team. Do Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens and Kendell Brooks all make the team?

It seems to be a foregone conclusion that Tress Way and Tyler Ott are safe as specialists. Cade York was just acquired to improve the kicking, hopefully.

So, most starters won’t play Sunday, but as you can see, the game is important to many players for many reasons.