Tag: Charles Leno

Commanders LT Charles Leno Jr. named finalist for prestigious Alan Page Community Award

Charles Leno named a finalist for prestigious community award.

Charles Leno Jr. finished his 10th NFL season earlier this month and his third season with the Washington Commanders. In 10 NFL seasons, Leno has played 149 games with 141 starts. He’s also made the Pro Bowl, too.

Not bad for a former seventh-round pick.

But for as good as Leno has been on the field throughout his NFL career, he’s even more impressive off the field. In 2022, Leno was named the Commanders’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award nominee for his outstanding work in the community.

Leno and his wife Jennifer have participated in numerous off-field activities in the DMV community, and in 2020, created “Leno Claus,” which gives back to families in need during the first 20 days of December.

Leno is also a four-time Community MVP and two-time NFLPA Community MVP.

On Wednesday, the NFLPA announced the five finalists for the 2024 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award. The award is named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Alan Page, who enjoyed a 15-year NFL career that saw him win numerous awards, including NFL MVP, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and much, much more.

But Page saved his most impressive work for after his playing career when he became a Minnesota Supreme Court judge. Page received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018.

From the NFLPA:

The Alan Page Community (APC) Award is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player. The award annually recognizes one union member who goes above and beyond to perform community service in his team city and/or hometown. As an award for the players and by the players, the winner will be determined next week through a league-wide digital vote by their NFL peers.

Leno was one of five finalists, joining Damar Hamlin (Buffalo), Calais Campbell (Atlanta), Harrison Phillips (Minnesota) and Frank Ragnow (Detroit) as the finalists.

All five finalists receive a $10,000 donation from the NFLPA toward their foundation or charity of choice.

Leno also secured the distinction of Week 17 NFLPA Community MVP and APC Award finalist for a second consecutive season after hosting his latest Leno Claus initiative. For 25 days during the month of December, Leno’s Beyond The Entertainer Foundation positively impacted more than 20 different non-profits and causes, including donating 720 winter blankets for Chicagoans in need; covering expenses for a family facing terminal illness to go on a retreat; purchasing 10 computers to help new mothers pursue their education; adopting 22 families in need while clearing their holiday wish lists, helping out with rent, assisting with daycare costs, buying groceries, and much more. Leno and his wife, Jennifer, began this season’s campaign by announcing the launch of Paitynn’s Friends, which honors the daughter that they unexpectedly lost to miscarriage in October and will support those who have lost a sibling by providing care packages.

The winner will be announced at the NFLPA’s annual press conference in Las Vegas on Feb. 7. The winner receives an additional $100K donation to the charity of his choice.

Good luck to Charles Leno Jr.

5 potential salary cap casualties for the Commanders in 2024

We look at five players who could be salary cap casualties for the Commanders in 2024.

The Washington Commanders could look a lot different in 2024. After finishing 4-13 and losing their final eight games, Washington fans will welcome change.

The Commanders have nine picks in the 2024 NFL draft, including the No. 2 overall pick and three of the top 40 selections. Washington will most likely find its quarterback of the future between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels at No. 2.

The draft isn’t the only way to rebuild Washington’s roster. The Commanders have over $73 million in salary cap space in 2024. That’s No. 1 in the NFL, according to Over the Cap. Of course, Washington has numerous free agents it must decide on, including cornerback Kendall Fuller, safety Kam Curl and wide receiver Curtis Samuel.

While new GM Adam Peters stated the Commanders would build through the draft, he said Washington would use free agency to supplement the roster.

While the Commanders currently have an estimated $73 million in available cap space for 2024, that number could grow significantly if they decide to move on from some veterans.

We preview five veterans who could be cap casualties this offseason.

All contract numbers are courtesy of Over the Cap.

Commanders place multiple starters on IR ahead of Week 17

The Commanders made a host of moves Saturday, including ending the seasons of LT Charles Leno Jr and C Tyler Larsen.

The Washington Commanders ruled out multiple starters for Sunday’s Week 17 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr., center Tyler Larsen, safety Percy Butler, cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste will all miss Sunday’s game.

On Saturday, Washington ended the seasons of Leno, Larsen and Butler by placing all three players on injured reserve. That means Cornelius Lucas will start at left tackle, Nick Gates at center and Terrell Burgess will likely replace Butler. With so many injuries in the secondary for the game against San Francisco, the Commanders elevated two defensive backs from the practice squad for Week 17.

Safety Sean Chandler and cornerback Nick Whiteside II will provide depth behind Quan Martin, Emmanuel Forbes, Kam Curl, Burgess and Tariq Castro-Fields. Castro-Fields has yet to play a defensive snap this season.

The Commanders also promoted long-snapper Tucker Addington, which was the plan when they signed him after releasing Camaron Cheeseman. And with the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Jake Fromm will be active for the first time this season.

In another move, offensive tackle Alex Akingbulu was signed from the practice squad to give Washington depth in Leno’s absence.

The 49ers are one of the NFL’s best teams, so things could get ugly in Landover on Sunday.

 

Commanders to be without multiple starters Sunday vs. 49ers

The Commanders will be without multiple starters, including most of their secondary and two starting offensive linemen against the 49ers.

The Washington Commanders are looking to snap a six-game losing streak on Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers. As if beating the NFC’s top team isn’t difficult enough, the Commanders will be without multiple starters for Sunday’s game.

Washington’s secondary will be without three starters, while the offensive line will be without left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and center Tyler Larsen against San Francisco’s outstanding defensive line.

In some good news, running back Brian Robinson Jr. makes his return to the lineup after missing the last two games. Also, starting right tackle Andrew Wylie is questionable for Sunday with an elbow injury.

Washington’s secondary has struggled all season, but things could get ugly against the explosive San Francisco offense, particularly with Kendall Fuller sidelined.

Here’s Washington’s injury report for Sunday.

OUT

  • CB Kendall Fuller
  • CB Benjamin St-Juste
  • S Percy Butler
  • LT Charles Leno Jr.
  • C Tyler Larsen

Questionable

  • RT Andrew Wylie
  • QB Jacoby Brissett

Yes, you read that correctly. Brissett, named starting quarterback on Wednesday, tweaked his hamstring during Friday’s practice and was added to the injury report. If Brissett can’t go, Sam Howell will return to the starting lineup.

With Fuller, St-Juste and Butler out, we should see plenty of rookies Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin and young cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields — a San Francisco draft pick in 2022.

In San Francisco injury news, quarterback Brock Purdy, left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Deebo Samuel are all off the injury and will play.

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead will miss Sunday’s game.

Here’s the full injury report.

 

Commanders vs. 49ers: Thursday injury report for Week 17

Between the Commanders and 49ers, 14 players missed practice on Thursday.

The Washington Commanders returned to practice Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s Week 17 game against the angry San Francisco 49ers.

Six players missed practice on Thursday for Washington, and all are starters. In some good news, running back Brian Robinson Jr. was limited for the second consecutive day, which is much better than the previous two weeks. The Commanders are beaten up at running back right now, with Robinson sidelined, Chris Rodriguez on IR and Jonathan Williams in concussion protocol.

Here is Washington’s full injury report for Thursday:

DNP

  • S Percy Butler (wrist)
  • CB Kendall Fuller (knee)
  • C Tyler Larsen (knee)
  • LT Charles Leno Jr. (calf)
  • DE James Smith-Williams (illness)
  • CB Benjamin St-Juste (concussion)

Limited

  • DT John Ridgeway (foot)
  • RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring)
  • RT Andrew Wylie (elbow)

Full

  • LB De’Jon Harris (quad)
  • LB David Mayo (knee)

San Francisco has a lengthy injury report, with several players missing Thursday’s practice. The 49ers played the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.

DNP

  • DT Arik Armstead (foot, knee)
  • G Aaron Banks (toe)
  • S Ji’Ayir Brown (knee)
  • TE Ross Dwelley (ankle)
  • WR Jauan Jennings (concussion)
  • RB Jordan Mason (illness)
  • RB Christian McCaffrey (not injury-related – rest)
  • OT Jaylon Moore (concussion)

Limited

  • LB Oren Burks (knee)
  • DT Javon Hargrave (hamstring)
  • WR Deebo Samuel (neck)
  • CB Ambry Thomas (knee, hand)
  • LT Trent Williams (groin)

Full

  • WR Danny Gray (shoulder)
  • RB Elijah Mitchell (knee)
  • QB Brock Purdy (left shoulder)

Commanders’ Week 16 inactive list vs. Jets

The Commanders are without three starters vs. the Jets. Here’s the full inactive list.

The Washington Commanders will be without three starters for Sunday’s game vs. the New York Giants from MetLife Stadium.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) will miss his second consecutive game. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. left last week’s loss to the Rams with a calf injury and will miss his first game of the season. Center Tyler Larsen also departed last week’s loss but with a knee injury. He will also miss Sunday’s game.

Veteran Cornelius Lucas will replace Leno, while Nick Gates steps back into the starting lineup in place of Larsen.

Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. will likely split time in the backfield, with Derrick Gore signed from the practice squad for this game.

Here’s Washington’s full inactive list vs. Jets:

  • RB Brian Robinson Jr.
  • LT Charles Leno Jr.
  • C Tyler Larsen
  • WR Mitchell Tinsley
  • CB Kyu Blu Kelly
  • DE Andre Jones Jr.
  • C/G Nolan Laufenberg

Here are the Jets’ inactive list.

Commanders vs. Jets: Week 16 final injury report

No Brian Robinson Jr., Charles Leno, or Tyler Larsen against the Jets in Week 16.

Final injury reports are in for Week 16, and the Washington Commanders will be without three starters against the New York Jets.

Robinson injured his hamstring in the Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins and didn’t play last week. He was working with trainers this week but was unable to practice.

Leno left last week’s game with a calf injury, while Larsen departed with a knee injury. This will be the first game Leno has missed this season. Cornelius Lucas will start at left tackle.

Larsen moved into the starting lineup in Week 8, replacing the ineffective Nick Gates. Gates will move back into the starting role.

Safety Percy Butler is questionable for Sunday’s game with an illness.

As for the Jets, the big news is quarterback Zach Wilson was ruled out with a concussion. That means veteran Trevor Siemian will start under center. Without Aaron Rodgers, it hasn’t mattered who New York has started at quarterback this season.

Interestingly enough, Rodgers was activated this week and added to the injury report and is the only other New York player listed as out.

Here’s the Jets’ injury report.

Commanders LT Charles Leno Jr. ruled out for remainder of game vs. Rams

Leno injured his calf and is out for the remainder of the game.

Washington Commanders left tackle Charles Leno Jr. departed Sunday’s game in the second half with a calf injury and will not return.

Veteran Cornelius Lucas replaced Leno at left tackle. Quarterback Sam Howell was sacked once on the day, but Leno had a critical holding penalty in the first half.

Not only is Leno out for the remainder of the game, but center Tyler Larsen also departed the game with an injury. Former starter Nick Gates replaced Larsen in the lineup.

 

 

Two narratives regarding Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy

Two narratives surrounding Eric Bieniemy.

Two narratives are currently moving through the NFL nation.

Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles 21-17, some of the NFL media types began voicing that the Chiefs’ offense is not the same without former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

On the other side of the coin, remember during training camp when Ron Rivera revealed that some players had complained about Bieniemy in how he coached/related to the players during camp?

Well, recently, Washington fans have voiced their displeasure with Bieniemy in how he called for consecutive snaps in the shotgun when the Commanders needed only one yard and failed to gain the needed yard both times against Dallas last week.

There is also word that there are Commanders players who do not want Bieniemy to be the interim head coach. Well, that was taken care of last Friday when Ron Rivera saved himself for the remainder of this season by firing Jack Del Rio and Brent Vieselmeyer.

Left tackle Charles Leno wasn’t shy in putting himself on record. When it was suggested to Leno that Bieniemy could be the interim HC if Rivera were fired, Leno responded, “It would be the same. At the end of the day, [Bieniemy] would be focused on our offense, and [defensive coordinator] Jack [Del Rio] would be focused on the defense. What’s the difference from right now?”

No one has yet put their name behind it, but apparently, some players want Rivera to take back some of the power he gave to Bieniemy.

Consequently, this would suggest that Rivera was indeed concerned in the preseason with some of the manners of Bieniemy in how he related to offensive players. Have some of these issues continued throughout the season?

Don’t be naive; Andy Reid wanted Bieniemy to move on so he could bring back Matt Nagy as his offensive coordinator in KC. But why?

Yet, how soft are some of these players?

Might this actually be the major problem with this team this season?

Commanders LT Charles Leno is a huge fan of Sam Howell

Leno acknowledges the disappointments of this season, but believes Sam Howell is a huge improvement for the Commanders.

Washington Commanders left tackle Charles Leno Jr. is in his 10th NFL season — third with Washington. A former seventh-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Leno has played 100% of his team’s offensive snaps in seven of his 10 seasons.

Leno has played a lot of football. Unfortunately for him, outside of one season, he’s been on some bad or average teams in Chicago and Washington.

He’s also seen plenty of bad and average quarterback play. During his three seasons with the Commanders, Leno has blocked for six different quarterbacks.

This season has been disappointing for Washington, with the Commanders being much worse than many believed, partly due to unforeseen defensive struggles.

However, there has been one bright spot, something Leno was happy to point out, per Sam Fortier of The Washington Post.

“There is some regression, yes,” Leno said after Washington’s Thanksgiving Day loss to the Cowboys. “In some ways, yes. But I have seen improvement. Like, I look across, and I see that guy over there (Sam Howell)……….That’s a f—–g huge improvement. This is a brand-new offense, too. You know what I’m saying? This is our first year in this, so there’s going to be ups and downs.”

Leno is correct in everything he said. He’s not making excuses. Washington isn’t 4-8 because of its offense. Has the offense been perfect? Not even close. The Commanders’ struggles against the Giants are concerning. There was also the Buffalo debacle. However, for the most part, Washington’s offense has kept the team in games partly because of its second-year quarterback.

Leno understands this is a bottom-line business, and the Commanders haven’t won enough. But the veteran left tackle is a big believer in his quarterback. If you want proof of how this team feels about Howell, watch Howell’s touchdown run vs. the Giants in Week 11. Leno, among others, was ready to fight when the Giants hit Howell out of bounds.

Those are the little things that matter inside the locker room.