Tag: J.D. McKissic

What roster or cap moves might the Commanders make next?

The Commanders have plenty of options to create more cap space ahead of free agency.

Having released Carson Wentz and Bobby McCain, the Commanders have gained salary cap space. Whom might they release next?

The release of Wentz alone opened up over $26 million in salary cap space for 2023. The move to release McCain created $2.2 million in cap space.

There are likely a few more moves to come soon. The Commanders could release a few players. They could also be frank with some players who are making much more than they produced. The Commanders would have the leverage toward restructuring some contracts, opening up more cap space.

A likely candidate for restructuring is tight end Logan Thomas. Coming off of his ACL injury late in 2021, Thomas struggled in 2022. His 2023 cap number being $8,675,000, can’t be ignored. Some have speculated Thomas could even be released.

Other candidates for restructuring or possible release are left tackle Charles Leno ($12,500,000), Chase Roullier ($12,420,000), left guard Andrew Norwell ($5,080,000), offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas ($4,350,000 and running back J.D. McKissic ($3,230,000).

Leno, Norwell and Lucas all struggled at times in 2022, decreasing the offensive line’s effectiveness in 2022 from the fine season the unit accomplished in 2021.

Roullier, unfortunately, suffered another major leg injury for the second consecutive season. He has been a very effective center in the past, but it could be the Commanders may not want to risk three consecutive years on Roullier or may work toward restructuring his deal.

McKissic, for the second consecutive season, injured his neck. The neck is never something to be taken as lightly as many other injuries. The Commanders may choose to use Samuel or Antonio Gibson more on third downs where McKissic was so effective in 2021.

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What does the Commanders’ running back position look like ahead of free agency and the NFL draft?

The Commanders have some talent here.

When the Washington Commanders selected Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, they had big plans for him and Antonio Gibson.

Things got off to an unfortunate start as Robinson was shot twice in the leg in late August. Miraculously, Robinson missed only four games and returned for Washington’s Week 5 game against the Titans. It didn’t take long for Robinson to get going and become an integral part of Washington’s midseason offensive success.

As for Gibson, it was a strange year for the third-year back. The Commanders wanted to utilize Gibson more in a pass-catching role and relieve Robinson. When he was healthy, he thrived in this role at times.

Another big part of Washington’s backfield was pass-catching extraordinaire J.D. McKissic. The Bills wanted McKissic last offseason, but at the last minute, he reneged and chose to remain with the Commanders. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely with a neck injury, and there is some concern about his future.

Kevin Patra of NFL.com recently reviewed every team’s running back situation and said the following regarding the Commanders:

Top RBs under contract for 2023: Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, Jaret Patterson,Jonathan Williams

Robinson was one of the best stories of the 2022 season, overcoming multiple gunshot wounds not only to return but lead the Commanders in rushing. Ron Rivera clearly loves the RB’s bruising style and ability to keep the offense in manageable down-and-distance situations. Gibson had a roller-coaster season, bouncing from doghouse to starter to backup, then ending the season on IR. If he can cut down the fumbles, Gibson pairs well as a change-of-pace back alongside Robinson. McKissic missed most of the season due to injury but provides pass-catching prowess. If all three are healthy, new OC Eric Bieniemy has pieces to work with out of the backfield.

Patra is correct; this is a strong group if all three are healthy. However, with valid concern regarding McKissic, Washington re-signed Jonathan Williams. Williams has delivered in his limited opportunities. The same can be said for Jaret Patterson. However, don’t be surprised if the Commanders add another back in the 2023 NFL draft.

Tyjae Spears of Tulane would be an excellent mid-round addition if he makes it that far in the NFL draft. Spears is the type of versatile back Washington loves and could provide insurance if Gibson departs after the 2023 season.

It’s important to note that new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is a former NFL running back and pays specific attention to his old position.

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Counting down the Commanders’ 20 biggest cap hits in 2023: Beginning with No. 20

Counting down the Commanders’ top 20 cap hits for 2023, beginning with No. 16-20.

Which Washington Commanders players will count the largest cap hit for the 2023 NFL season?

This week, Commanders Wire will count down the top 20 Washington Commanders with the largest cap hit for 2023.

For what it is worth, according to Spotrac, the top 10 Commanders who cost the most during the 2022 season were in order:

  1. Carson Wentz     $28,294,119
  2. Curtis Samuel     $12,625,000
  3. Kendall Fuller     $11,125,000
  4. Jonathan Allen     $9,500,000
  5. Chase Young       $9,426,435
  6. Da’ron Payne       $8,529,000
  7. Charles Leno       $8,500,000
  8. Terry McLaurin   $7,329,805
  9. Logan Thomas     $6,190,000
  10. Wes Schweitzer    $5,820,000

We begin with No. 20.

When they last met: Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons

Taylor Heinicke had perhaps his best NFL game against the Falcons last time these two teams met.

“When They Last Met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington 34, Atlanta 30 – Week 4, October 3, 2021

J.D. McKissic caught a Taylor Heinicke pass, darted down the right sideline, soaring over the end zone line for the winning score as Washington came from behind to defeat Atlanta 34-30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

When Falcons running back Mike Davis had scored from seven yards out, Atlanta led Washington 30-22 early in the final quarter. But Washington forced punts on the next two Falcons possessions and the Washington offense generated two scoring drives.

With 10:00 remaining in the contest, Washington drove 70 yards in ten plays, burning 6:08 seconds off of the clock. The drive concluded when Heinicke found Terry McLaurin on a 17-yard touchdown pass, which was frankly more about McLaurin’s ability to catch a highly dangerous pass attempt. Heinicke’s two-point pass attempt to Ricky Seals-Jones was unsuccessful leaving Washington trailing 30-28 with 3:52 remaining.

The Commanders defense limited the Falcons to a mere six yards in three plays, forcing that second consecutive punt. Taking possession at their own 24, Washington drove 76 yards in 7 plays, the final play being the 30-yard touchdown completion to McKissic for the 34-30 victory.

Heinicke completed 23 of his 33 passing attempts for 290 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions for a passer rating of 127.1. McLaurin had six receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns. McKissic finished with five receptions for 44 yards and the winning touchdown.

Antonio Gibson rushed for 63 yards in 14 attempts while Heinicke also rushed for 43 yards in five carries. DeAndre Carter returned the second-half kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown.

Commanders place running back J.D. McKissic on injured reserve

J.D. McKissic’s year ends with a neck injury for the second consecutive season.

The Washington Commanders placed running back J.D. McKissic on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season early for the second consecutive season.

McKissic injured his neck and suffered a concussion in last season’s Week 12 win over the Seattle Seahawks and missed the remainder of the season.

There hasn’t been a lot said about McKissic’s neck injury. Here’s what head coach Ron Rivera said about McKissic on Nov. 12.

“For the most part, he’s going through what the doctors think he needs to, and that’s pretty much all I could say about it,” Rivera said. “They just have to be careful with it, and they check him and have him go through the rehab program they have for him. No timeline.”

That sounded a bit ominous at the time. Rivera offered no real update, which led you to believe McKissic would land on IR.

McKissic initially agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills ahead of NFL free agency in March, but the Commanders matched the deal before free agency officially opened and he opted to remain in Washington.

McKissic ends his season with 95 yards rushing and 27 receptions for 173 yards in eight games. The addition of rookie Brian Robinson Jr. has led Antonio Gibson to be used more in the passing game, which will help fill the void left by McKissic.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, McKissic’s neck injury requires a “few months of rehab.”

Commanders vs. Texans: Final injury report for Week 11

Holcomb and McKissic are out, as is rookie Armani Rogers. The Texans are without rookie corner Derek Stingley, which could mean a big day for Terry McLaurin.

The final injury report is out for Week 11, and the Washington Commanders will be without starting linebacker Cole Holcomb for a fourth consecutive game. Holcomb, who is dealing with a foot injury.

Earlier this week, head coach Ron Rivera sounded like Holcomb was getting closer to a return but that it wouldn’t come this week.

Also out is running back J.D. McKissic. McKissic continues to deal with a neck injury, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he landed on the reserve injured list. This is the third straight game that McKissic will miss.

Tight end Armani Rogers will miss Sunday’s game with what is labeled as foot and ankle injuries. Rogers was limited on Wednesday and Thursday but did not practice Friday, and he was ruled out. Rivera said Rogers was injured in the Monday night game against the Eagles.

Fellow rookie tight end Cole Turner will be Washington’s third tight end Sunday.

The Houston Texans ruled out rookie cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. for Sunday’s game. The No. 3 overall pick will miss his first NFL game, which could mean an even bigger day for Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Commanders vs. Texans: Thursday injury report for Week 11

Cole Holcomb and J.D. McKissic were out again for the Commanders on Thursday.

The Washington Commanders had their first full day of practice this week on Thursday in preparation for the Houston Texans. The Commanders, coming off a big Monday night win over the Eagles, had a walkthrough on Wednesday.

Washington’s injury report looked much the same Thursday with linebacker Cole Holcomb [foot] and running back J.D. McKissic [neck] remaining sidelined. Head coach Ron Rivera sounded like Holcomb was closer to a return but didn’t specify a timeline.

There appears to be no new news regarding McKissic.

The following players were limited on Thursday:

  • Center Tyler Larsen [back]
  • LB David Mayo [hamstring]
  • TE Armani Rogers [knee]
  • WR Curtis Samuel [shin]
  • TE Logan Thomas [rib]

Running backs Antonio Gibson [knee] and Jonathan Williams [knee] were listed on the injury report but participated fully.

Rookie cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. [hamstring] was the only Texan not to practice Thursday. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who missed practice Wednesday, was a full participant on Thursday.

What we learned from the Eagles’ Monday night loss to the Commanders

As we head towards Week 11 at Indianapolis, here’s what we learned from the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Eagles will return to the practice field Thursday as the team prepares for a critical Sunday matchup on the road against the Colts.

The NFL world is still reacting to the Commanders’ 32-21 upset win on Monday night. Philadelphia will have to adjust after placing Dallas Goedert, Avonte Maddox, and Marlon Tuipulotu on injured reserve with various injuries.

Teams can learn a lot from a loss, and we’ve highlighted four key takeaways and what we learned from Monday night.

Studs and duds from Eagles 32-21 loss to the Commanders

Here’s a look at the studs and duds from the Philadelphia Eagles Week 10 loss to the Washington Commanders

The Eagles are dealing with an unfamiliar feeling after suffering the first loss of their 2022 regular season after a disastrous showing against Washington.

Philadelphia didn’t make enough plays on offense and was physically outmanned by the Commanders on defense for the first time this season.

Here are the studs and duds from Monday night.

Commanders vs. Texans: Wednesday injury report for Week 11

The first injury report for Week 11 is out, and Cole Holcomb remains sidelined.

The Washington Commanders returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since their thrilling and emotional upset win over the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.

Wednesday’s practice was a walkthrough for the Commanders, who have a short week as they travel to Houston to play the Texans on Sunday afternoon in Week 11 action.

Linebacker Cole Holcomb [foot] and running back J.D. McKissic [neck] were sidelined Wednesday.

Head coach Ron Rivera updated Holcomb’s status after practice:

“He was on the field,” Rivera said. “They had him outside on the grass, running on the grass today. We’ll see how he responds. Because of the short turnaround, today was a walkthrough practice for the most part to try and give our guys a little extra time.”

It sure sounds like Holcomb could miss one more week and return in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons.

McKissic has missed the past two games, and there doesn’t appear to be a resolution to his condition anytime soon. Rivera said last week that Washington is being extra cautious with McKissic.

The Commanders had several players who were limited Thursday:

  • C Tyler Larsen [back]
  • LB David Mayo [hamstring]
  • TE Armani Rogers [knee]
  • WR Curtis Samuel [shin]
  • TE Logan Thomas [rib]

Running backs Antonio Gibson [knee] and Jonathan Williams [knee] were listed on the injury report but practiced fully.

The Texans listed several players on their injury report Wednesday.

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