Tag: John Bates

The top 5 Washington draft choices for Ron Rivera

We look back at Ron Rivera’s top five draft choices thus far, beginning with No. 5.

Head coach Ron Rivera is now heading toward his fourth NFL season as the Commander-in-chief of the NFL’s Washington franchise.

The 2023 NFL draft only a couple of weeks behind us, leaves the question, who have been the top five draft choices for Rivera in the coach-centric leadership role he possesses here in Washington?

This week (Monday-Friday) Commanders Wire will reveal in ascending order the top-five draft choices Ron Rivera has made in his three earlier drafts. Consequently, none of the 2023 NFL draft will be eligible for this list, seeing they have yet to play in the NFL.

Of course, the very nature of such a question lends itself to subjectivity at least to some degree. I have attempted to remain as objective as possible. Though, I certainly agree with all of us there are at times a blurring of the distinction between objectivity and subjectivity.

Further, initially keep in mind that it is still much too early to know what Jahan Dotson, Phidarian Mathis, Percy Butler and Sam Howell are going to provide from the 2022 class.

Honorable Mention:

Chase Young also does not make our top five on the list because of virtually no productivity from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. But because of his high productivity in 2020, he nearly made the list and deserves an honorable mention.

Other honorable mention draftees during the Rivera era: Darrick Forrest and John Bates.

So here goes the list of the top five draft choices by Ron Rivera during his three seasons here in Washington (2020-22).

No. 5: Brian Robinson Jr.  RB Alabama, 2022

Robinson was chosen in the third round of the 2022 draft the 98th overall selection.

The former Crimson Tide running back made his impression in training camp and the preseason games, earning the starting role, dethroning Antonio Gibson.

Robinson, however, was shot twice in an attempted robbery of his car in downtown Washington just prior to the regular season. Missing only the first month of the season, Robinson made what many felt was a remarkable recovery, playing in 12 games, rushing 205 times for 797 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The hard-running Robinson brought toughness to the Washington offense in 2022, rushing for 49 first downs often in tight formations in predominantly known to be running / short-yardage downs.

Robinson no doubt would have accomplished much more; however, the Commanders offensive line fell back quite a bit in 2022 from its 2021 accomplishments.

The Commanders have addressed their offensive line this 2023 offseason bringing in two new starters likely in Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates and drafting a possible starter in Ricky Stromberg, a center from Arkansas.

With the planned move of Sam Cosmi from tackle to guard, the run game could be improved, and Washington fans could see even more production from Brian Robinson in 2023.

 

Fantasy Football: Potential bargains, must-plays from Giants-Commanders game

Here’s a look at some potential bargains for daily fantasy from the New York Giants-Washington Commanders Week 13 game on Sunday afternoon.

The New York Giants (7-4) host the Washington Commanders (7-5) this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in an important December division battle that also has playoff implications.

But what value does this interesting matchup have for fantasy players?

5 standouts from Commanders’ 19-13 win over the Falcons

We pick five players who stood out in Washington’s win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The Washington Commanders are now 7-5 and have won six of their last seven games after Sunday’s 19-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Like many of Washington’s games, it wasn’t always pretty, but when the Commanders needed to make a play, someone came up big.

Washington’s strategy has been to win with strong defense, a powerful, ball-control offense and limiting mistakes in the passing game. That’s the recipe the Commanders followed again on Sunday, although a Taylor Heinicke interception cost Washington potential points at the end of the first half.

Who stood out in the Commanders’ latest win?

We pick five standouts from Washington’s win over the Packers.

Commanders tight end Cole Turner ruled out with a concussion

Unfortunate news for Turner and Washington’s tight ends.

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Injuries continue to mount for the Washington Commanders at the tight end position.

Just before halftime of their Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers, rookie tight end Cole Turner went high for a Taylor Heinicke pass, which was broken up by Packers safety Adrian Amos. However, Turner landed hard on the ground, where he remained for a few minutes.

As Turner went into the locker room, the team gave an update on his injury and status for the remainder of the game. Turner is ruled out with a concussion.

Washington came into the game without starting tight end Logan Thomas, who missed his third consecutive game with an injured calf. Backup John Bates was on the injury report all week with a hamstring injury but did play.

With Turner out, we should see plenty of fellow rookie Armani Rogers in the second half.

Commanders tight end Logan Thomas still not sure of playing in Week 1

Whether it’s this week or next, Logan Thomas is close to a return.

When the Washington Commanders activated tight end Logan Thomas from the physically unable to perform list late in training camp last month, there was optimism he’d be ready to play in Week 1.

Thomas has been back on the practice field with his teammates, going through individual drills and participating in other drills. Thomas has maintained Week 1 was the goal, but there were no guarantees.

The Commanders returned to practice Monday ahead of their Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Thomas was on the field with his teammates.

After practice, Thomas spoke to reporters and offered an update on his status for Week 1, per John Keim of ESPN. On his status, Thomas said he was looking at “this week or next.”

As for any limitations, Thomas offered the following update: “Still feel things here and there, but not anything that affects the way I play.”

Fortunately for Washington, John Bates, Cole Turner and Armani Rogers all appear healthy. Keeping Thomas on the sideline for the first week or two is the right decision for the Commanders if all sides agree Thomas isn’t quite ready for Week 1.

Thomas certainly looks ready.

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Ron Rivera offers some good news regarding the tight end position

Ron Rivera expects John Bates will return to practice this week. That’s more good news for Washington’s tight ends.

It’s been a difficult summer for the Washington Commanders’ tight ends. The Commanders have been shorthanded at tight end throughout training camp, but the injuries also opened the door for some younger, unknown players.

When training camp began, starter Logan Thomas was rehabbing from a torn ACL and began training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Top backup John Bates missed most of training camp with a calf injury, returning briefly before going back out again. And rookie fifth-round pick Cole Turner was the talk of camp in their absence until he suffered a hamstring injury, missing all of Washington’s preseason games.

That opened the door for a pair of undrafted rookies in Armani Rogers and Curtis Hodges. Unfortunately for Hodges, he also missed time with an injury.

After Washington’s preseason loss to the Ravens on Saturday, head coach Ron Rivera offered some good news regarding Washington’s tight ends.

This would be excellent news for the Commanders. Thomas was activated from the PUP list last week, and for the first time, Washington could have both of its top two tight ends on the practice field together. In addition, Turner should be close to a return after it was initially expected to be a two-week injury.

As of now, expect Washington to keep four tight ends. Thomas, Bates and Turner are locks. Rogers is essentially a lock. The former college quarterback has terrific size and athleticism and looks like a natural at the position. That would give the Commanders a strong and diverse group.

It’s been a tough summer for Washington’s tight ends, but brighter days are ahead as the Commanders begin the regular season.

 

 

Sammis Reyes says goodbye to Washington

Sammis Reyes says goodbye to Washington.

The Washington Commanders placed tight end Sammis Reyes on injured reserve last week. This week, the Commanders reached an injury settlement with Reyes and released him.

On Thursday, Reyes said goodbye to Washington on his Instagram account.

THANK YOU WASHINGTON COMMANDERS for the amazing opportunity to represent the organization. I will forever be grateful for the incredible support I received from my coaches, my teammates and the fan base here in the DMV. Thank you

Some fans may see Reyes as just another player who was cut ahead of the season. He wasn’t. Reyes was a unique case. Remember, Washington signed Reyes last spring after he worked out at the University of Florida pro day and was enrolled in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.

Reyes had never taken a snap in football before he signed with Washington. While his first NFL season was filled with ups and downs, Reyes’ effort and physicality as a blocker stood out at times.

Unfortunately for him, he was still developing, and the Commanders didn’t have the room to continue to develop him. And after drafting Cole Turner in the fifth round and signing Armani Rogers as an undrafted free agent, Washington found two young players who can help in 2022 behind Logan Thomas and John Bates.

Reyes may or may not land in another NFL city. But considering his lack of football experience, he came a long way.

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Commanders move on from tight end Sammis Reyes

The Commanders placed Sammis Reyes on IR last week.

One year ago, the Washington Commanders were excited about tight end Sammis Reyes. Reyes, a part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, was signed in the spring after he wowed NFL teams during a workout.

On Tuesday, the Commanders moved on from Reyes, releasing him from injured reserve. Washington initially placed Reyes on IR last week with what was believed to be a hamstring injury, but it was clear the Commanders liked some of their other young tight ends more than Reyes.

When Washington signed Reyes, the team knew he was a longshot. A former college basketball player, Reyes had never played football before signing up for the NFL program.

Despite his inexperience, Reyes was a physical presence when it came to run blocking. However, he wasn’t a natural receiver, and it showed. That’s not to say he wouldn’t have improved, but the Commanders have a trio of young tight ends they like better in John Bates [second season] and rookies Cole Turner and Armani Rogers.

As for Reyes’ future, he is free to sign with any team now and could re-sign with Washington later in the season if the team is interested in a reunion.

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Commanders tight end Logan Thomas happy to be back, aiming for Week 1 return

Logan Thomas thrilled to be back at practice, will not push his return.

The Washington Commanders finally received some good news on the injury front Monday when starting tight end Logan Thomas was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

The Commanders only had two healthy tight ends for last week’s preseason game. Undrafted rookie Armani Rogers and recently signed Eli Wolf. Rogers left the game with an undisclosed injury, while Wolf was placed on injured reserve Monday.

These injuries, in addition to Thomas, John Bates (calf), Cole Turner (hamstring), Sammis Reyes (hamstring) and Curtis Hodges, have left Washington shorthanded.

Thomas was back on the field Monday morning and certainly looked ready to go.

After practice, Thomas met with the media and expressed how happy was to be back on the field.

“Felt good,” Thomas said. “I’ve kind of been in individual since December. Felt good to be back, part of a team. That’s what means most for me.”

While Thomas feels good, he is relying on Washington’s doctors for a full return to action. Thomas stated Week 1 vs. Jacksonville is the obvious goal, but he will not push things.

“Obviously, as a competitor, yeah, I’d love to be out there Week 1, but I know myself,” Thomas said. “If I’m not ready to go or I don’t feel like a full version of myself, then we can buy another week or another two weeks. Games are ultra-meaningful, whether they’re early in the season or late in the season. So, I’d love to be out there.”

Head coach Ron Rivera isn’t taking any chances either, saying he didn’t need to see Thomas on the field in the preseason.

“Just a lot of work, once he’s cleared to start working with the quarterbacks and stuff like that, you know, right now it’s all about positional drills, individual drills, and then eventually the next step will be obviously running and catching the ball,” Rivera said. “But as soon as we can, it’ll be great. But again, we’re not going to force anybody out there early.”

Washington players were excited to see Thomas back on the field Monday. In addition to being of the Commanders’ best offensive players, he’s also one the team’s more respected leaders.

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Commanders activate tight end Logan Thomas from PUP list

Logan Thomas is back for the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders received some good news on Monday morning when starting tight end Logan Thomas was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Thomas suffered a torn ACL in a December win over the Las Vegas Raiders on a questionable hit by defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. He began training camp on the PUP list.

Thomas’ return is a boost for multiple reasons. First, he’s Washington’s top tight end and terrific in the red zone. Secondly, Thomas can get in some practice time with quarterback Carson Wentz, and finally, the Commanders have a near crisis at tight end with numerous injuries.

John Bates has missed most of training camp with a calf injury, while rookie Cole Turner was sidelined over the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. Sammis Reyes was placed on injured reserve last week.

Undrafted rookies Armani Rogers and Curtis Hodges have recently received the bulk of work at tight end. The Commanders signed Eli Wolf last week, and he played 40 snaps in the preseason loss to the Chiefs.

In a flurry of moves after activating Thomas, Washington placed Wolf on IR, released fullback Alex Armah from IR, claimed tight end Kendall Blanton off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams and signed tight end Jake Hausmann.

The Commanders also placed defensive end Bunmi Rotimi on IR.

Hausmann went undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft and has spent time on the rosters of the New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks.

Every NFL team has until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to trim their rosters to 80 players.

Thomas had two stints on IR last season. In between those stints, he caught 18 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns in six games.

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