Tag: Dax Milne

WATCH: Dax Milne makes one-handed catch at Commanders’ OTAs

What a catch from Dax Milne.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Dax Milne is in a battle for a roster spot this summer. It’s nothing new for the 2021 seventh-round pick, as Milne has earned his way onto the roster the last two seasons.

After being Washington’s primary kick/punt returner in 2022, undrafted rookie Kazmeir Allen is flashing in those roles early this offseason. But as Washington participated in its second week of OTAs this week in Ashburn, Milne displayed he still has the potential to make the Commanders as a wide receiver in 2023.

On Wednesday, Milne snagged a nice one-handed catch on a pass from quarterback Sam Howell. Cornerback Rachad Wildgoose was defending Milne on the play.

Check it out.

While Milne faces a battle to make Washington’s roster again in 2023, the Commanders have kept at least six wide receivers in recent years, which means Milne could still be in good shape come final cuts.

Former Penn State wide receiver named Commanders’ most exciting UDFA addition

The Commanders have two undrafted wide receivers who have a shot at making the team in 2023.

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The Washington Commanders, despite having an outstanding group of wide receivers led by Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, could have a couple of roster spots up for grabs at the position this summer in training camp.

Gone is Cam Sims. Sims was with the Commanders for several years as a key special teams performer and always delivering when his number was called on offense. He signed with the Raiders in March.

Washington signed Marcus Kemp from the Kansas City Chiefs and return Dax Milne, a 2021 seventh-round selection. Dyami Brown appears safe as Washington’s No. 4 wide receiver, meaning the Commanders could keep two more receivers ahead of Week 1.

Milne and Kemp could fill those spots, but so could a pair of undrafted free agents. We’ve discussed Kazmeir Allen, who looks to be a top candidate to become Washington’s top returner ahead of Milne. However, we’ve also frequently mentioned former Penn State wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley, who also signed with the Commanders as a priority free agent.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently named each team’s most exciting undrafted free agent and picked Tinsley for the Commanders.

Taking a slot receiver out of Penn State worked well for the Commanders when they took Jahan Dotson last season. Why not give it another shot?

Dotson showcased some promise catching seven touchdowns as a rookie. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky transfer Mitchell Tinsley was taking over the role of slot receiver in Penn State’s offense.

Tinsley didn’t put up the same gaudy numbers. But he led the Nittany Lions with 51 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns.

It’s also worth noting he was prolific when playing with Bailey Zappe at Western Kentucky. He posted 87 receptions for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Tinsley is a little on the small side at 6’0″, 199 pounds, but he is sudden in his breaks and showcased his agility with a 6.7 three-cone time. His ability to shake defenders with his route running should pave the way for him to make an impression in practices and battle for a roster spot.

Tinsley must prove he can contribute to special teams to earn a roster spot but don’t count him out.

Ron Rivera singles out rookie Kazmeir Allen as possible kick/punt returner for 2023

Have the Commanders found their primary returner?

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The Washington Commanders are looking for help in the return game. Washington received next to nothing from its punt and kick return teams in 2022 after it was a strength in 2021 with veteran returner DeAndre Carter.

For some reason, Washington allowed Carter to depart and used second-year wide receiver Dax Milne as the punt returner. Milne averaged 7.8 yards per punt return on 40 attempts. So finding a returner with a little more wiggle was a priority for the Commanders in 2023.

Enter undrafted free agent Kazmeir Allen. The jack-of-all-trades from UCLA was one of Washington’s priority signings after the 2023 draft. 

After the first day of Washington’s rookie minicamp Friday, head coach Ron Rivera singled out Allen when asked about the kick and punt return game.

“Well, there are a couple guys out there, but one of the more notable names, and I’m gonna have to look it up and so I can say it properly, but he’s a young man we got out of UCLA,” Rivera said.

“He’ll wear number 10 out there, Kazmeir Allen. He played some slot for them, some wide receiver for them, some running back for them and then he returned both kickoffs and punts for them, and he did ’em in the bowl game in the All-Star games as well. So he’s a young man that most certainly has gotten our attention, and he’s a young guy that we went out and tried to make sure we were able to recruit and bring him in as a free agent.”

After the 2023 NFL draft ended and we saw Allen signed with the Commanders, we immediately believed he could be Washington’s primary returner in 2023.

Allen has a ways to go to earn a roster spot, but he could make life difficult for Rivera and the Commanders to keep him off the 53-man roster this summer. When Rivera singled out Allen, you knew he had plans for him.

Commanders make roster moves ahead of Week 13

Wes Schweitzer is back.

The Washington Commanders received some good news Saturday when guard/center Wes Schweitzer was officially activated from the reserve/injured list.

Schweitzer, who opened the season as Washington’s starting right guard, suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and has been sidelined since. Earlier this week, the team announced it had designated Schweitzer to return from IR.

Guard Trai Turner will miss Sunday’s game, but it’s expected that tackle Sam Cosmi will receive an opportunity to start in Turner’s place with Cornelius Lucas remaining at right tackle. Schweitzer should soon be back in the mix to start somewhere for the Commanders.

Washington also elevated veteran wide receiver/returner Alex Erickson to replace Dax Milne on the roster. Erickson will return punts in Milne’s absence. Milne is dealing with a foot injury.

Erickson certainly has at least one fond memory of success against the Giants.

Erickson was the punt returner in Week 12 vs. the Falcons but did not receive any return opportunities.

Commanders make three roster moves Saturday

The Washington Commanders made some roster moves ahead of Week 12.

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As expected with the personnel news the Commanders announced Friday; there were corresponding roster moves made Saturday as well.

With Dax Milne being unavailable for Sunday’s game against the Falcons, the Commanders elevated WR Alex Erickson up from the Practice Squad. 

Erickson will be the final wide receiver, filling the role that’s been held by Milne this season. It had been reported that Penn State rookie Jahan Dotson would be returning punts in the absence of Milne. Perhaps Erickson may be returning punts himself with Dotson being the backup punt returner? Erickson does have NFL returning experience, and perhaps the Commanders’ coaching staff determined they would rather utilize his experience in the role.

Saturday also saw the Commanders release Troy Apke from the practice squad. This is the third time this season the Commanders have released Apke who was a fourth-round draft choice (109) out of Penn State in the 2018 NFL draft.

The third roster move Saturday saw the Commanders sign DT David Bada from the International Pathway Program to the practice squad. Bada, age 27, is listed at 6-foot-4, 293 pounds. Adding Bada to the practice squad, the team had to release someone, and that lot fell apparently to Apke. 

Commanders rule out St-Juste and Milne vs. Falcons

Losing Benjamin St-Juste and Dax Milne for Sunday creates two big openings for the Commanders. How will they replace them?

Friday was a not a good news day for the Washington Commanders.

The team ruled out both Benjamin St-Juste and Dax Milne for Sunday’s game against the Falcons.

Naturally, the first thought that comes to mind is the size of Falcons receiver Drake London. St-Juste certainly has the most size and best range of any of the Commanders defensive backs. The loss of St-Juste against the Falcons should not be minimized.

Of note, the team elevated corner Danny Johnson from the practice squad on Oct. 24 and Johnson has seen action in each game from Weeks 8-11. Johnson only played two defensive snaps against the Colts and none against the Eagles. However, he was in on 50 defensive snaps against the Vikings and 11 last week in Houston. So, Johnson is the likely candidate to see more action against the Falcons.

Corner Rachad Wildgoose has not seen action on defense since the Colts game and rookie corner Christian Holmes has seen only special teams action this year, with the lone exception being six snaps on defense against the Eagles in Week 3.

Washington does have three other defensive backs on their practice squad, were they to determine to elevate one up to the roster this week. Corn Elder has seen regular season action with the Panthers (2018-20) and last season with Washington. Texas Tech rookie Damarcus Fields saw action for the Saints on special teams in two games earlier this season and was signed to the Commanders’ practice squad on Oct. 26.

Troy Apke was released from the practice squad, but brought back to the squad this season and has the most regular-season game experience of those available to be elevated to the roster.

With Milne being out Sunday, possibly rookie Jahan Dotson will be called upon to return punts. Dotson started out quite well, with four receiving touchdowns in the first four games, but pulled a hamstring and missed the next five consecutive games.

The Commanders did receive some good news Friday. Defensive end James Smith-Williams who is producing his finest year thus far in 2022, had been out of practice with an illness, but he returned Friday and is expected to play against the Falcons.

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Dax Milne will return punts for the Commanders, could also return kicks

Dax Milne will have an increased role in 2022.

The Washington Commanders kept six wide receivers on the initial 53-man roster. Throughout training camp, it was apparent that the final receiver to make the team would significantly impact special teams.

Second-year wideout Dax Milne earned Washington’s final wide receiver spot after a strong camp and preseason. Now, Milne will also return punts in 2022.

“Keeping Dax, and I’ll say he’s one of the six, he had a very good camp,” head coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday. “He played very well in every game. He will return punts. We are going to take a look at it as he continues to work on some of the kickoff stuff as well.”

Last season, Washington signed veteran DeAndre Carter to return punts and kicks. Due to injuries, Carter played a significant role on offense at times. However, the Commanders let Carter walk in the offseason. Carter averaged over 25 yards per kick return and 8.4 yards per punt return in 2021.

Milne doesn’t have a great deal of experience returning punts. As a sophomore at BYU in 2019, Milne returned five punts, averaging over 11 yards per return. He returned seven punts in 2020.

Washington likes Milne as a receiver. He runs terrific routes, catches everything and has good speed. If he can also return punts, he checks that positional flexibility box Rivera loves.

Last week, it sounded like the Commanders had decided on starting running back Antonio Gibson as the top kickoff returner. Rivera softened on that stance a bit on Tuesday, again bringing up Milne.

“Antonio is still in consideration to go back there,” Rivera said. “We will look at Dax and a couple of other guys as far as that position is concerned.”

Just reading into things, it sounds like Gibson may be needed more in the backfield with Brian Robinson’s potential absence. While there is optimism surrounding Robinson’s return, it is still unknown as he did suffer two gunshot wounds only days ago.

If everyone stays healthy in 2022, Milne may not see a lot of offensive snaps, but he will still have a critical role for the Commanders.

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Preseason finale was serious for Reggie Bonnafon and Dax Milne

Dax Milne felt like he’s earned a spot on Washington’s 53-man roster.

An NFL preseason finale is boring for some and crucial for others.

The last preseason game is often viewed as meaningless because most teams rest the vast majority of their starters, choosing to not risk injury.

Yet, for some players, it is that final preseason game that provides them the largest opportunity they will experience prior to the regular season. Consequently, it means they can feasibly win one of the final roster spots of that team, or perhaps put enough on film that another team will claim them.

Saturday’s Commanders game was momentous for running back Reggie Bonnafon and receiver Dax Milne. Bonnafon is attempting to make the Commanders roster for the first time, after being with the Panthers (2019-21). While Milne is attempting to keep his spot earned last year as a rookie.

Bonnafon was in on 38 offensive snaps (50%), experiencing the thrill of scoring a touchdown on a 13-yard completion from Sam Howell. Reggie also rushed 10 times for 24 yards, and caught 3 passes for 19 yards.

“It was a nice read from Sam (Howell), and he caught me in stride. I turned and headed downfield, and I thought I had the goal line and was surprised they called me out at the one. But thank God for review, and they got the call right. It’s exciting to score.”

Reggie also rushed 10 times for 24 yards, and caught 2 passes for 19 yards. After the game he said he was expecting the workload in the game. “(I’m) not surprised, and I always appreciate it. We knew going into the game that it would basically be me and Jaret (Patterson). Now, we’ll see where the chips fall. It’s a weird time, because you’ve done all you can, and now it’s just a waiting game.”

The game was also urgent for Milne. He was drafted 258th in 2021, catching 9 passes for 83 yards last season. So what guarantee did he possess coming to training camp that he would be on the team for a second year?

“This is something the coaches continue to mention to us – not paying attention to what we’re hearing, just putting our best out on the field at all times. It’s what we put on our resume. Some guys don’t handle it well, but others do. I think I’m handling it OK, and I’m putting enough out there.”

Milne was targeted 4 times, catching all four, gaining 37 yards, including one for 21 yards.

Milne was asked if he feels like he deserves a spot on the team.

“I do. I do.”

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Did Ron Rivera offer a clue on Dax Milne’s future with the Commanders?

Ron Rivera really likes Dax Milne.

The Washington Commanders will keep at least six wide receivers on the 53-man roster. They could keep seven, but six is the likely number. We know of five wide receivers who will make Washington’s roster. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, Dyami Brown and Cam Sims are locks.

Who is wide receiver No. 6?

The leading contenders are second-year WR Dax Milne and veteran Alex Erickson. Both players have had an impressive preseason. Erickson, 29, is a seven-year NFL veteran best known for his work as a kick returner. However, this summer, Erickson has impressed during his time with the offense.

Whichever receiver Washington keeps will likely be the primary returner.

After Tuesday’s practice, Washington head coach Ron Rivera spoke with the media. He was asked about which of the young players have stood out, and Milne was someone he discussed.

“A guy that’s really shined, but we have always felt good about him is Dax Milne,” Rivera said. “I think Dax has played very well in both preseason games and has flashed in a lot of ways and has gotten our attention; he really has.”

It sure sounds like Milne isn’t going anywhere.

Tough decisions will be made after Washington’s final preseason game at Baltimore. Some good players will be released. Sadly, others will never play again.

While Rivera’s comments may mean nothing as it relates to Milne’s future, it certainly sounds like he has a future with the Commanders.

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Commanders special teams coach Nate Kaczor always looking for willing players

Nate Kaczor offered excellent insight into some of his special-teams decisions on Thursday.

Being an NFL special teams coach is not an easy task.

Nate Kaczor appeared before the media Thursday as Washington prepares to travel to Kansas City for a 4 p.m. ET Saturday game at Arrowhead Stadium.

One of the obstacles for Kaczor is the NFL now schedules one less preseason game, thus an entire game of reps is completely lost for players trying to make the team through their performance on special teams. It also means the units might be less prepared for the regular season.

“It’s well noted that we’ve got some players that hadn’t been on special teams reps the day we had pads on because we’re running outta opportunities to have padded reps. The last thing you want for a player that maybe hasn’t been a core special teams’ player, the first padded rep they get is against Jacksonville (Week 1).”

Kaczor was pleased with some aspects of the return units last week against Carolina:

” Dax (Milne) had a nice 12-yard punt return that was just taken advantage of a really good punt, but we had a good blocking on that left side, and he snuck down the left sideline. So probably better blocking on part return then kickoff return in that first game.”

When asked about the team moving on from Troy Apke, Kaczor was clear, he provides input, but all personnel decisions are made by Coach Rivera and management. “Troy is a player that has played good for us, but we just felt like at this time that there were players competing for that spot. Like I said, I’d defer to coach on answering that question, but we appreciate what Troy has done.”

Who might take Apke’s role on coverage teams this season?

“The guys that aren’t starting in those subpackages (Nickel and Buffalo), any of those down below that line that can run fast would be gunner candidates. Right now, two of the young ones we’re looking at that have not been around on defense would be Christian Holmes and Percy Butler.”

Regarding Antonio Gibson seen working in some special team units, “I’ll emphasize this because I don’t think a lot of people realize this, people may see Antonio practicing special teams and go ‘oh, you know, the offensive running back race.’ He’s approaching it as a professional as, ‘I need to get ready just in case I’m playing’ and professionals want to be prepared. That’s an impressive part of Antonio, he has approached this with a great professional attitude realizing, ‘I don’t want my first special teams rep on punt to be against the Jaguars in the regular season opener.’ So whether he’s out there or not, he wants to be prepared and that’s admirable.

One of the challenges for Kaczor is being given players for his units who are frustrated or down because they are not position starters. “A lot of times as a special teams coach, I might be dealing with a player who’s dealing with some disappointment on a role change on offense or defense. Sometimes when they walk in my office they’ve been told by an offensive or defensive coach that maybe the other guys going to start. So I’m not dealing all the time with guys that are just all excited to be talking to me and it’s for our job to get them excited about embracing that role.”

The former center at Utah State was asked about competition for punt returner. “Anyone that you see at practice catching punts is competing for that role. We tell the players all the time ‘preparation and execution over and over and over develops confidence.’ You’ll see the guys that did it in the first preseason game, they will all be available to do it against Kansas City.”

Watching Antonio Gibson return some kicks has seized Kaczor’s attention. “Those big returners that have speed, just like when they run the ball on offense, they’re harder to tackle. And he’s got a really good one-cut move that you see when he runs the wide zone for us on offense. But that’s the first thing that jumps out is the combination of the size. We all know he can run.”

Kaczor replied to more questions, but space does not permit for the entirety of his responses. However, here is the entire video.

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