Tag: Jeremy Reaves

Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves continues to prove why he is a fan favorite

Jeremy Reaves goes above and beyond for one fan.

Since his journey in Washington began in 2018, Jeremy Reaves has been a fan favorite. Whether it was his work in the preseason, going back and forth between the practice squad and the 53-man roster, Reaves endeared himself to fans, coaches and teammates.

One of the more touching moments in recent years occurred in 2022 when Reaves learned he was making the Pro Bowl. Former coach Ron Rivera informed Reaves, who was emotional, but it was his teammates’ reactions, Tress Way, Jonathan Allen, and Terry McLaurin, that gave everyone a glimpse of how everyone felt about the former undrafted free agent.

There was some concern that Reaves’ time in Washington was over after the 2023 season. After suffering a torn ACL early last season, Reaves was also a free agent heading into the offseason. With a new general manager and head coach in town, there was no guarantee they’d feel the same about Reaves as his previous coaches.

As it turns out, GM Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn had many changes planned for Washington’s roster. However, Reaves would be a part of their plans, as the Commanders re-signed him to a two-year deal. Thus far, he is one of only four internal free agents Washington has re-signed and the only one to receive a multi-year contract.

Fans were happy. Teammates were happy, too.

One of the reasons that Reaves is so popular is his social media activity. He always positively engages with fans. On Friday, one fan asked Reaves about ordering his black No. 39 jersey, but it was unavailable. Reaves not only answered the fan but offered a solution.

As if you needed a reason to appreciate Reaves more.

WATCH: Jeremy Reaves reveals Tress Way’s reaction on his return to the Commanders

It’s safe to say that Tress Way is fired up that Jeremy Reaves is back for the Commanders.

It’s no secret that Washington punter Tress Way and safety Jeremy Reaves are close. When Reaves learned he made the Pro Bowl in 2022, Way’s reaction—he also made the Pro Bowl—was terrific.

Over the years, we’ve learned that Reaves is also a favorite of Way’s kids, including his young son, Beau.

However, with a new regime, there was a chance that Reaves and Way wouldn’t be teammates anymore. Reaves was a free agent, and general manager Adam Peters hadn’t progressed with any of Washington’s free agents before free agency opened last week.

Not to worry, Reaves was re-signed late last week, becoming the first Commanders’ player to earn an extension under the new regime. Technically, it wasn’t an extension as Reaves’ contract had expired, but there was no doubt that head coach Dan Quinn and Peters wanted Reaves back.

Fans were happy with the news, too. Reaves is beloved.

Reaves met with the media after the news of his re-signing, expressing his excitement about returning to Washington. Before his time with the media was up, he was asked about Way’s reaction.

This is tremendous.

In addition to being beloved in the locker room and by fans, Reaves is also a heckuva player who has earned everything he’s received. Quinn understands what players like that mean for the culture and the locker room.

 

Commanders’ teammates praise rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes

Forbes’ fellow defensive backs were proud of his performance on Sunday.

It’s been a rough few weeks for Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. After showing promise in the first three weeks, things unraveled for Forbes in Week 4 against A.J. Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Forbes struggled again the following week against Chicago wide receiver D.J. Moore. Then, over the next three weeks, Forbes didn’t play in Week 6 and played five snaps in Weeks 7 and 8. In total, since Week 4, Forbes had played a total of 34 snaps over the last four games.

Late last week, Forbes posted on Instagram that he was back, leading everyone to assume he’d be back on the field against the New England Patriots.

Forbes did play against the Patriots and, according to Pro Football Focus, was targeted four times but did not allow one catch. Even more, Forbes broke up three passes thrown in his direction.

It was the type of performance that encouraged coaches and fans. As for his teammates, they always had his back.

After the game, some of Forbes’ teammates took to Twitter — or X — to shower the rookie with praise.

First was fellow cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.

Injured safety — and team captain — Jeremy Reaves.

Finally, standout safety Kam Curl weighed in on the rookie:

Forbes should have had his second career interception, but the New England wide receiver made sure that didn’t happen.

Can Forbes continue to build off that performance next week against the Seattle Seahawks and their trio outstanding trio of wideouts.

Commanders S Jeremy Reaves undergoes successful knee surgery

Jeremy Reaves underwent knee surgery Monday, officially ending his 2023 season.

Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves underwent season-ending knee surgery Monday, officially ending his 2023 season after just four games.

Reaves announced Sunday on X that he was undergoing surgery on Monday and his season was over. In the same post, Reaves thanked fans for their support, letting them know he appreciated them always being there for him and that he would be back.

Here’s his post from Sunday:

On Monday, Reaves put out a follow-up post letting everyone know that the surgery went “great” and that the “climb back starts today.”

Reaves injured his knee in Washington’s Week 4 Thursday night game against the Chicago Bears. The Commanders lost Reaves and Darrick Forrest (shoulder) during the game. While Forrest is expected to return at some point this season, Reaves suffered a partially torn ACL and was expected to seek multiple medical opinions.

This is a tough break for Reaves. The former undrafted free agent has been with Washington since 2018 and was named first-team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in 2022 as a special-teams standout. Reaves is a team captain and one of the more popular players on the team.

Reaves is an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

Commanders make multiple roster moves

The Commanders make moves on the 53-man roster and practice squad.

The Washington Commanders officially placed safeties Jeremy Reaves and Darrick Forrest on injured reserve Tuesday. This was one day after head coach Ron Rivera said Reaves and Forrest suffered injuries in last week’s loss to the Chicago Bears.

Forrest suffered a shoulder injury, but it’s unclear how long he’ll be out. Rivera said he hopes it’s more of a short-term IR stint, which would keep Forrest out a minimum of four weeks.

The news is worse for Reaves, who suffered a partially torn ACL, and the Commanders fear he’s lost for the season.

With Washington placing two players on IR, that means moves will be made. The Commanders already made one move, signing safety Terrell Burgess from the practice squad.

On Tuesday, the Commanders also signed linebacker De’Jon “Scoota” Harris from the practice squad. Harris has been with Washington since 2021, going back and forth between the practice squad and the 53-man roster multiple times.

Defensive linemen Efe Obada and Phidarian Mathis remain on injured reserve. Both players were eligible to return ahead of Week 5. Their injuries were not considered season-ending.

After elevating Burgess and Harris, the Commanders also made some moves on the practice squad. Washington signed safeties Joshua Kalu and Sean Chandler and defensive end Joshua Pryor to the practice squad.

Kalu and Pryor were with the Commanders over the summer and released during final cuts. Chandler entered the NFL in 2018 as an undrafted free agent from Temple. He has played for the Giants and Panthers, appearing in 64 games with seven starts.

Washington also released safety Keidron Smith from the practice squad.

 

 

Commanders fear Jeremy Reaves could be lost for the season

Reaves suffered a partially torn ACL last week.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced on Monday that safeties Jeremy Reaves and Darrick Forrest were being placed on injured reserve. What Rivera didn’t indicate was if Reaves and Forrest would go on short-term IR (out for four weeks minimum) or if they’d be lost for the season.

Rivera did mention the possibility of short-term IR for Forrest (shoulder) but not for Reaves (knee). That led to speculation that Reaves could be out for a significant amount of time.

As it turns out, Reaves’ injury is worse.

According to Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network, Reaves suffered a partially torn ACL in last Thursday’s loss to the Chicago Bears and could be out for the season. Reaves is seeking other medical opinions before making a decision on his immediate future.

This is a tough break for Reaves, who made his first Pro Bowl and was named first-team All-Pro last season. Reaves is in his sixth NFL season and is one of the most popular players on the team — and a team captain.

 

Commanders to sign safety Terrell Burgess to active roster

The Commanders to add some safety depth.

The Washington Commanders placed safeties Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reaves on IR on Monday. While the length of their absences has yet to be determined, head coach Ron Rivera made it clear young DBs Percy Butler and Quan Martin would have the first chance to fill Forrest’s shoes in the starting lineup.

While Butler and Martin will receive an increase in playing time, the Commanders were left with some depth concerns. Fortunately for the Commanders, veteran safety Terrell Burgess was on the practice squad.

Now, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, Washington will sign Burgess to the 53-man roster.

Burgess initially signed with Washington in May and was with the team throughout the spring and summer before he was released during final cuts. The Commanders immediately re-signed Burgess to their practice squad.

A third-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams out of Utah in 2020, Burgess played less than two seasons with L.A. before being waived in November 2022. He quickly signed with the Giants, where he appeared in one game.

Burgess has appeared in 31 career games with 29 tackles. Burgess can provide safety depth for the Commanders and help fill Reaves’ massive void on special teams.

Commanders place safeties Jeremy Reaves, Darrick Forrest on IR

It creates an opportunity for a pair of recent draft picks.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the media Monday and announced two injuries.

Safeties Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reaves were both placed on the reserve injured list after suffering injuries in Thursday night’s 40-20 loss to the Chicago Bears.

“Just to give a couple of quick updates on some injuries from Thursday night,” Rivera said to begin his press conference. Darrick Forrest had a shoulder, and Jeremy Reeves had a knee, and we’ll be moving both those guys to IR. Pending further examinations, we’ll be able to determine the length.”

When asked about the specifics on the injuries, Rivera offered the following.

“Shoulder injury and knee injury. Once we get a little bit more from the doctors, we will probably be able to give you guys more in the next day or two.”

Forrest has started at safety since the start of the 2022 season, while Reaves is a backup safety but makes his presence felt on special teams. Reaves was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler on special teams last season.

While this is difficult news for the Commanders, there are a pair of young players waiting in the wings with prime opportunities.

“That’s a role that Percy [Butler] and ‘Quan’ [Martin] will be looking at,” Rivera said of Forrest’s starting safety role. 

Butler is a second-year safety from Louisiana who was a fourth-round pick in 2022. He has seen plenty of action through the first five games. Martin is a rookie second-round pick who has yet to play a defensive snap.

The Commanders have allowed 30 or more points in four consecutive games and play the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6.

Commanders lose DBs Jeremy Reaves and Christian Holmes for the game vs. Bears

Washington loses Jeremy Reaves and Christian Holmes to injury.

The Washington Commanders couldn’t have had a worse start to Week 5. The Chicago Bears jumped out to a 27-3 lead against the Commanders on Thursday Night Football.

Chicago wide receiver D.J. Moore burned Washington’s secondary for five receptions, 137 yards, and two touchdowns early.

Now, the Commanders will be without two members of their struggling secondary. Safety Jeremy Reaves and cornerback Christian Holmes are both ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Both players are backups on defense but key special-teams performers. Reaves is a captain and was a first-team All-Pro selection last season.

Reaves has a knee injury, while Holmes is dealing with a hamstring injury.

The Commanders haven’t offered any updates on Reaves or Holmes since they were ruled out.

Commanders Tress Way: ‘I just try to make a play’

Tress Way always credits his teammates, which is one of the many reasons of why he is so popular.

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Tress Way enjoyed his second Pro Bowl season in 2022.

In celebrating with his teammates.he actually cried when he made a toast during that dinner meal. “I am getting soft in my older age, ” expressed Way to Julie Donaldson recently.

Keep in mind that Way is only age 33. Yet with Terry McLaurin being the longest-tenured offensive player, and Jonathan Allen the longest-tenured defensive player, it is Way who has been with Washington the longest. The 2023 season will be Way’s 10th in the NFL, all with Washington, having first played in the NFL in 2014 with the Redskins.

Though Way enjoyed 37 punts inside the 20 last season, he is quick to credit teammates like Jeremy Reaves, whom Way believes “is an incredible special teams player.”

Way also points to Allen as someone who makes sure Way gets some respect amongst his teammates. “Jon Allen makes sure I have special rights. I don’t actually have them myself, but whenever you have J.A. telling you what is up, everybody listens to him. So yeah, I’m glad I got in good with him… as long as he’s got my back, I have special rights, yes.”

Way points to a significant day in his NFL career coming in 2018 after a win over rival Dallas. Way was upset with himself, having averaged only 40 yards a punt. His wife provided some perspective asking if he played well. Way looked back and realized he had punted six times. Five of them were inside the 20. Four were inside the 10.

Way then told his wife he had played better than he’d realized. She responded, “Just try to make a play, and the numbers will take care of themselves.”

Way told Julie Donaldson, “I kid you not, I have played every game that way since that conversation with her in the kitchen that day. I just try to make a play.”

Later he admitted he knows he makes no plays by himself.

It’s a team game, Way knows it. His humility and humor are the reasons he is liked by so many in the locker room.