Tag: Andrew Wylie

Commanders RT Andrew Wylie departs game with injury

Commanders RT leaves game with head injury.

The Washington Commanders are locked into a tougher-than-anticipated battle against the Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium. At halftime, the teams were tied 3-3.

The offense has struggled, as quarterback Jayden Daniels has been under heavy pressure, and the Commanders have failed to adjust.

Washington lost running back Brian Robinson Jr. to an ankle injury in the first half. He later returned to carry the ball three times but later departed again.

The Commanders are now down another offensive starter. Right tackle Andrew Wylie left the game in the third quarter and is being evaluated for a possible concussion.

Trent Scott replaced Wylie at right tackle and immediately allowed pressure. The team officially announced that Wylie is out and will not return.

The Commanders will need to go the rest of the way with Scott at right tackle, unless they want to play Cornelius Lucas or Brandon Coleman on the right side. Lucas has plenty of experience playing on both sides in his career.

Commanders’ injury news: Will RB Brian Robinson Jr. play vs. Eagles?

What is Brian Robinson Jr’s status?

The Washington Commanders will be without cornerback Marshon Lattimore for Thursday night’s NFC East showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Washington could be getting a top offensive starter back for Thursday.

Head coach Dan Quinn said the Commanders increased Robinson’s work in practice, which he handled well. Washington’s final injury report will be released later on Wednesday, with Robinson likely being listed as questionable again. Recently, the Commanders listed him as questionable and tested him on the field ahead of the game before ruling him out.

Robinson sounded positive about his chances of playing with reporters.

Quinn also discussed offensive tackles Andrew Wylie and Cornelius Lucas, saying both did a “good job” during Wednesday’s practice. Lucas missed the previous two games due to an ankle injury. Before the injury, he’d rotated with rookie Brandon Coleman at left, where both have played well. If Lucas plays, he’s likely back as Washington’s swing tackle.

Wylie was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Steelers but appears on track to return against the Eagles. Trent Scott started in his place at right tackle.

We’ll continue to update you on Washington’s injury situation before Thursday night’s big game.

Commanders OL continues to have some question marks

The final two preseason games are huge for several offensive linemen.

Two weeks ago all the word out of Ashburn was so positive regarding Brandon Coleman.

Coleman had been taking reps at right tackle and left tackle. He was moving better than any of the tackles on the current roster. Everything was said to be going well for him.

Commanders fans were excited, and word was spreading that the Commanders had found their franchise quarterback and franchise left tackle in Adam Peters’ first draft as Commanders general manager.

12 days later, however, offensive tackle has become again a position of uncertainty and concern.

Head coach Dan Quinn stated Coleman was day-to-day or week-to-week with a pectoral/shoulder issue. Coleman will most likely not see action in Miami this week.

As much as we would rather see him in the lineup, what’s more important is to allow Coleman to heal and be ready to get some good reps in preparation for the Sept. 8 season opener in Tampa.

The other four starting spots on the line are pretty much settled. Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, Sam Cosmi, and Andrew Wylie are still probably upgrades from the 2023 season.

Going a bit further, if the Commanders were to keep nine or ten linemen, seven of the spots seem assured. In addition to the four mentioned above, there are Cornelius Lucas and Coleman at left tackle and then Michael Deiter, the top reserve inside lineman who has been getting the most reps at both guard and center.

This leaves two or three spots about which we can not yet be certain. Last year, we were told that Mason Brooks was really tough and aggressive and might develop nicely. Brooks was cut on Wednesday.

So, this week, watch for the play of reserves Ricky Stromberg (C/G), Julian Good-Jones (G), Chris Paul (G), and J.C. Hassenauer (G) and tackles Braeden Daniels, Trent Scott, Armani Taylor-Prioleau, and David Nwogwugwu.

Commanders rookie OT Brandon Coleman looking the part as potential Week 1 starter

The rookie offensive tackle has a big day on Thursday.

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters was widely praised for the 2024 NFL draft. For one, Peters landed Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick, but other picks, such as Johnny Newton and Mike Sainristil, earned him leaguewide praise.

The one knock on Peters was what some believed was his inaction at offensive tackle. The Commanders did not sign an offensive tackle in free agency, only bringing back veteran Cornelius Lucas. While Peters tried to move back into the first round, the price was too high, and he stayed put.

So, with the second pick of the third round, the Commanders selected Brandon Coleman of TCU. This wasn’t a reach as Washington clearly liked Coleman, bringing him in for a pre-draft visit.

Scouts were split on Coleman. He looked more like a guard but possessed the arm length and athleticism to play tackle. Peters made it clear the Commanders believed Coleman was a tackle.

Throughout the first week of training camp, Coleman has consistently worked with the first-team offense, either at left or right tackle. He’s drawn praise, but none of that really mattered until the pads came on. Coleman had a solid day in the first padded practice earlier this week.

On Thursday, Washington had its second day in pads, and Coleman stood out in one-on-one drills.

While people in attendance often see or interpret different things, Finlay’s opinion seemed to be the consensus on Coleman. The rookie more than held his own against Washington’s talented defensive line.

Two days in pads means nothing right now. However, the Commanders have consistently worked Coleman with the first team, which would indicate they view him as a starter. Will it be on the left or right side?

Washington could go with the veteran Lucas at left tackle early in the season and opt for Coleman on the right side, replacing Andrew Wylie. Wylie struggled last season and has been sidelined at times this summer with what he described as “tightness.”

If Peters emerges from the 2024 NFL draft with a quarterback and starting left tackle, fans will be ready to induct him into the Ring of Honor this season.

The true test will be when the games begin, but Coleman couldn’t have started his NFL career any stronger.

 

Commanders RT Andrew Wylie dealing with ‘tightness’ early in training camp

Andrew Wylie has missed some practice time early in camp.

It was surprising that the Washington Commanders were running with rookie Brandon Coleman and veteran Cornelius Lucas at the offensive tackle positions early in training camp. Andrew Wylie, Washington’s starter at right tackle last season, is expected to start there again in 2024.

Head coach Dan Quinn hasn’t mentioned an injury to Wylie at any point in his pre-practice press conferences.

However, on Sunday, Wylie told reporters he was dealing with some “tightness” early in training camp. He didn’t say where the tightness originated but indicated that it wasn’t serious and that he’d be back on the field on Monday.

Coleman and Lucas are competing for the starting left tackle position, and each has taken first-team reps at right tackle in Wylie’s absence.

Wylie struggled in his first year with the Commanders last season. When assessing Washington’s offseason needs, many believed general manager Adam Peters should upgrade both tackle positions and possibly kick Wylie inside to left guard, where he has played before.

This situation will be worth monitoring throughout the week.

Commanders RT Andrew Wylie discusses change the coaching staff made for training camp

One of many positive changes the Commanders have made this year.

Training camp is grueling for NFL players. Every July, 90 players on 32 teams report during the hottest part of the year, and while there is a lot of excitement when camp begins, the heat quickly wears you out.

The Washington Commanders reported to training camp last week and practiced three days before receiving Saturday off. The Commanders hit the practice field again on Sunday.

Dan Quinn has brought many changes with him to Washington. One of those changes is popular with his players, particularly at this time of the year.

Right tackle Andrew Wylie spoke to reporters after Friday’s practice and said that for the first time in his NFL career, coaches have a recovery day on the players’ schedule.

“The schedule has gone a long way,” Wylie said. “We got a great schedule this year for camp. There is a specific time period of the day cut out for us to get some recovery. That goes a long way. Everyone is getting right.”

Wylie explained this is new, not just for Washington.

“Yeah, it’s a big impact. This is my eighth training camp, and this is the first time that a recovery period has been on the schedule. It goes a long way, especially with a lot of the veteran players getting that work that they need.”

Add this to the many positive changes that Washington’s new regime, from owner Josh Harris down to the coaching staff, has made that benefit the players.

The Commanders beefed up the training staff in the offseason as it was considered among the worst in the NFL. That will no longer be the case.

The hope is that players can avoid some of the nagging muscle injuries that often linger when they’ve been pushed too hard.

NFL analyst is ‘expecting a big year’ for Commanders 2024 offense

One analyst sees big things for the Commanders offense in 2024.

Opinions are mixed on the ceiling for the 2024 Washington Commanders offense. The Commanders have a new quarterback (Jayden Daniels), a new offensive coordinator (Kliff Kingsbury), and questions at offensive tackle.

Each of those concerns is valid. Kingsbury is viewed as a brilliant offensive mind, but this is his first year in Washington, and he’s also breaking in a rookie quarterback. As for Daniels, he’s a phenomenal talent who has drawn rave reviews from his teammates, but he’s still a rookie.

The offensive tackle issue remains a massive question mark. The Commanders bring back Andrew Wylie at right tackle. Wylie didn’t play well last season, but coaches believe he’ll perform better under the new coaching staff. At left tackle, you have veteran journeyman Cornelius Lucas battling rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman.

You add these things together, and it’s not necessarily a recipe for success.

However, there are also reasons to believe the 2024 offense could be better than many believe. CBS analyst Emory Hunt said he’s “expecting a big year” for Washington’s offense, led by Daniels and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Hunt said McLaurin’s TD prop (4.5 receiving touchdowns) seemed “rather low” and explained all of the quarterback issues he’s dealt with since being drafted in 2019. He thinks Daniels changes that.

Here’s the full segment:

Hunt said he thinks McLaurin will get closer to eight or nine touchdowns — either would be a career-high.

Are people sleeping on Washington’s offense? While there are questions, the Commanders have some intriguing pieces. It all begins and ends with Daniels.

Commanders RT Andrew Wylie loves the energy and vibes around the team

Wylie is loving all of Washington’s offseason changes and is a big fan of two of the rookies.

Andrew Wylie was brought to Washington one year by former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The longtime Kansas City Chief followed Bieniemy to the Commanders and was penciled in immediately as the right tackle.

It wasn’t a great debut season for Wylie, but considering some of Washington’s top players had their worst season in 2023, Wylie gets a pass. New general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn were apparently content with Wylie, believing the coaching and scheme changes would make him better in 2024.

What does Wylie think of the new regime?

“We have an elite coaching staff,” Wylie said. “That’s what it’s been. It’s neem great energy in the building. Points of emphasis, what DQ wants, are reiterated every day.”

No one would describe last season’s coaching staff as elite.

What does Wylie think of his new quarterback, Jayden Daniels?

“Dude can sling it, man,” he answered. “Very talented guy back there. Makes it look easy, too. Something about his game is just special.”

Wylie also discussed rookie offensive lineman Brandon Coleman, who the Commanders think can be their future left tackle.

“That dude is gifted and moves very well for his size,” Wylie said. “Got him working out at tackle now and he already got very good fundamentals to his game. In my opinion, I think he’s going to get a lot of snaps this year. He is the type of guy you want anchoring this side of the ball.”

Wylie discussed the energy in the locker room.

“Honestly, the locker room energy is great. Practice has been over for an hour and 15 minutes, and the locker room is still halfway filled. There’s a lot of guys still kicking it in there, including myself. No one is in a real rush to leave work.”

Wylie noted that players are sitting with different position groups to build team chemistry. He is not the first player to mention that this offseason.

You don’t win championships in the offseason, but the changes Washington has made since January have built a foundation that it hopes builds a winning franchise for many years to come.

Perhaps Wylie can be one of the bigger beneficiaries of these changes.

Commanders need Brandon Coleman to develop at offensive tackle

Watch highlights of new Commanders OT Brandon Coleman

The Commanders entered April’s 2024 NFL draft fully aware they needed to obtain an offensive tackle.

In fairness to Commanders general manager Adam Peters, the Commanders were reported to have attempted to trade back up into the latter first round to select an offensive tackle. However, no trade compensation could be agreed upon, and thus, a deal was never finalized.

Peters, in the draft, took quarterback Jayden Daniels (2 overall), defensive tackle Johnny Newton (36), defensive back Mike Sainristil (50), and tight end Ben Sinnott (53), and when it was their turn at 67, Peters selected TCU guard / tackle Brandon Coleman.

Interestingly, at the Senior Bowl, Coleman was asked if there was a position he would prefer for the NFL. He replied that he would be willing to do whatever his new NFL team wanted to do. Yet, he did point out that he had a lot of experience at left tackle.

Right tackle Andrew Wiley returns and left tackle Charles Leno was released. Thus, left tackle would seem to be a place the Commanders might be hoping Coleman can develop enough in the offseason to be prepared to play often this season.

Of course, Jayden Daniels needs to be a hit. But for 2024, the second choice that might be most important to play well might just be Coleman at tackle. Just as true, Coleman’s level of play will also affect Daniels’ performance as well. Think how much better it will be for Daniels if Coleman can improve the running game and keep Daniels’ blind side clear for him.

Thus far in early offseason Commanders’ workouts, Coleman has been working some at left tackle and also some at right tackle.

Pro Football Focus posted these stats on Coleman’s time at TCU.

 

Commanders re-sign offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas

Cornelius Lucas is returning for his fifth season in Washington.

The Washington Commanders have finally signed an offensive tackle. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Commanders are bringing back Cornelius Lucas on a one-year deal worth up to $4 million.

Lucas, who will turn 33 in July, is entering his 11th NFL season and fifth in Washington. Before signing with the Commanders in 2020, Lucas spent time with the Lions, Rams, Saints and Bears.

Since coming to Washington, Lucas has been a valuable addition. He has appeared in 62 games with 31 starts, making starts at both right and left tackle.

As of now, Lucas would be at the top of Washington’s depth chart at left tackle after the release of Charles Leno Jr. Andrew Wylie remains atop the depth chart at right tackle — for now. The Commanders are expected to address the offensive tackle position high in the 2024 NFL draft. The offensive tackle class is deep, and Washington could target at least two tackles with its nine picks.