Commanders place rookie Ricky Stromberg on IR; sign OL from Eagles’ practice squad

The Commanders make some roster moves on Tuesday, placing Ricky Stromberg on IR.

The Washington Commanders were busy making roster moves on their off day Tuesday, first, placing rookie center Ricky Stromberg on the reserve/injured list. The third-round pick from Arkansas injured his knee in the Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Replacing Stromberg on the roster is Julian Good-Jones. Washington signed Good-Jones from the Eagles’ practice squad. Good-Jones, 26, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Iowa State. Philadelphia released Good-Jones during its final cuts that summer.

In 2021, Good-Jones signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, where he spent two seasons. While in the CFL, Good-Jones was a part of a Calgary offensive line that led the league in rushing.

Last January, Good-Jones returned to the NFL, signing a reserve future contract with the Eagles. Philadelphia released Good-Jones this summer and re-signed him to the practice squad.

Stromberg appeared in four games this season at guard.

Washington also added two names to the practice squad, bringing back a familiar face in Jonathan Williams and also signing linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle.

The Commanders return to practice Wednesday to begin preparation for their Week 12 game at Seattle.

Commanders RB Antonio Gibson banged up heading into Week 17

Could the Commanders be without Antonio Gibson in Week 17?

Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. has taken off since becoming the team’s unquestioned starter in the backfield. Over Washington’s last six games, Robinson has carried the football 15 times or more in five of those games.

Robinson’s increased workload meant a different role for former starter Antonio Gibson. Over the last four games, Gibson has averaged seven rushing attempts per game. He has 10 attempts in the previous two games.

While Gibson hasn’t carried the ball as much, he’s Washington’s primary kick returner, a role in which he has excelled. In addition, he’s the team’s third-down back.

As the Commanders head into a critical Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, Gibson is battling an injury.

“Antonio’s got a sprain, so we’re going to have to monitor that very closely this week,” head coach Ron Rivera said. 

Reporters asked Rivera if Gibson was dealing with an ankle sprain.

“He has a sprain,” Rivera said. “We’ll give you the full report tomorrow when we practice.”

Rivera is holding out one more day until Washington releases its first injury report of the week.

Gibson was replaced as kick returner late in Saturday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

If Gibson can’t go, that would mean an increased role for Jonathan Williams who has impressed each time he’s received an opportunity. The Commanders would also likely bring up Jaret Patterson.

We’ll have more on Gibson later in the week.

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Commanders bright spots vs. Cowboys

It was an ugly loss, but there were multiple bright spots for the Commanders from Week 4.

Despite a third consecutive loss for the Washington Commanders, there were some bright spots that should be recognized.

Jonathan Allen

Allen came to play on the Cowboys’ side of the line of scrimmage, registering 4 tackles for a loss, most for both teams. The Commanders totaled 7 tackles for a loss, thus, Allen had more than half himself. His sack in the first quarter on a 3rd and 3 set the tone early, and he was a force all day. He also knocked down a Cooper Rush pass in the end zone that could have been an easy touchdown.

Jonathan Williams

The rarely used running back in only five carries accumulated 48 yards (9.6 YPR). Williams enjoyed an 18-yard run to the left behind Logan Thomas and John Bates. In the 3rd quarter, Williams ran for 23 yards to the right getting a huge push downfield from Saahdiq Charles and good blocks from Thomas and Bates again both lined up together on a side.

Wentz to Dotson

Wentz struggled throughout, appeared rattled, unable to settle down and step into passes. However, trailing 6-0 in the second quarter, Carson lofted a beautifully well-timed pass to Jahan Dotson at the back right pylon for a touchdown on a 3rd & 2 from the 10-yard line.

Later in the 3rd quarter with the Commanders trailing 15-7, the two again connected, this time on a 3rd & 9 completion of 31 yards. Wentz had to step up, and extend the play, and Dotson had to make a shoestring catch.

Daron Payne

Often Payne was matched up against All-Pro Zack Martin, the older brother of the Commanders new center, Nick Martin. Payne had 2 solo tackles, 5 total tackles, 1 TFL and 1 pass defended.

Joey Slye and Tress Way

Slye was successful on his lone field goal attempt, a 45-yarder in the 3rd quarter. Way punting six times managed to place five punts inside the 20.

Commanders Run Offense and Run Defense

The Commanders gained a very adequate 142 yards in 27 rushing attempts (5.3 YPC). This effort permitted the offense more opportunities as well as provided the defense some needed rest on the bench. The defense responded physically, limiting Dallas to a mere 62 yards in their 29 rushing attempts (2.1 YPC). The defense shut down Tony Pollard entirely, as his 8 carries gained only 6 yards.

Consequently, the Commanders ran 71 offensive plays to only 57 for Dallas, winning the time of possession battle 33:06 to 26:54.

Commanders 3rd Down Defense

Washington’s 3rd down defense in 2021 was at times nothing short of abysmal. They finished the season ranked 31st in the NFL. Sunday they held Dallas to converting only 5 of 15 third downs.

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Commanders make roster moves, more moves to come

A look at some of Washington’s roster moves from Tuesday. Could the Commanders be busy the rest of the week?

The initial 53-man roster has been set.

The Commanders kept 27 offensive players, 23 defensive players and three specialists. This reveals the coaches and front office are concerned about the defensive personnel. So, they were willing to go ahead and release a couple of extra defensive players and will be searching through those players released and waived by other NFL teams, in hopes of picking up perhaps two players.

The five linebackers the Commanders kept were Cole Holcomb, Jamin Davis, David Mayo, Milo Eifler and De’Jon Harris. Harris is the biggest surprise. But of course, coaches are in the meetings and on practice fields knowing much more than we do.

I see the New Orleans Saints released linebacker Jon Bostic. Just kidding. They liked the person, the leader Jon Bostic, but he was out of position so often in pass coverage. They are not going to re-sign Jon Bostic.

Seriously, I can’t help but notice Landon Collins is still out there available. The coaches are obviously not happy with their linebackers. Would they contact Collins to see if he is interested in being signed to once again fill the Buffalo Nickel role?

Has Collins determined he has made enough money that he is no longer willing to play the Buffalo Nickel for Washington? On the other side of the coin, did the front office burn their bridges with Collins, asking him to take a second reduction in salary last Spring?

Only keeping four cornerbacks on the initial 53-man roster is sure to change Wednesday. Kendall Fuller, William Jackson III and Benjamin St-Juste were expected. Seventh-round draft choice Christian Holmes out of Oklahoma State is the fourth corner. With only one injury, the cornerback position is nothing short of precarious. They no doubt are going to sign another corner.

Jonathan Williams was kept out of the final preseason game while Jaret Patterson played. That was revealing. They value Williams more; Patterson was cut Tuesday. Brian Robinson may still open the season on an injured list. This would mean more carries for Williams, helping Gibson carry the load, while McKissic will be counted upon as a very valuable third-down weapon.

Stay tuned; Wednesday will be a super busy day for Ron Rivera, Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney.

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Commanders release RB Jaret Patterson

The Commanders released local favorite Jaret Patterson on Tuesday.

The Washington Commanders kept four running backs on their first 53-man roster of the NFL season. Surprisingly, Jaret Patterson wasn’t one of those players.

Patterson, an undrafted free agent out of Buffalo in 2021, made the roster in 2021 and appeared in 17 games, rushing for 266 yards and two touchdowns.

Some thought Washington would only keep three running backs, Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic. However, Robinson’s status after suffering gunshot wounds on Sunday created the need to keep an additional running back.

That additional running back is Jonathan Williams. Williams entered the NFL in 2016 and has played for five teams. In five games with Washington last season, Williams rushed for 79 yards and one touchdown.

Patterson appears to be a prime candidate to be added to Washington’s practice squad this week if he clears waivers.

Instant analysis: Washington selects Alabama RB Brian Robinson Jr. in 3rd round

What does Brian Robinson Jr. bring to the Commanders in 2022?

“With the 98th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders select Brian Robinson Jr. RB, Alabama,” said Washington DE Chase Young.

Robinson became the second Alabama player drafted by Washington in this draft as Phidarian Mathis (DT) was chosen at No. 47 in the second round.

Robinson had played little at Alabama having to wait his turn behind great college backs Damien Harris, Joshua Jacobs and Najee Harris. But when provided the opportunity his senior season, Robinson gained 1,343 yards in 271 carries for a 5.0 yards per carry average and 14 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 35 passes for 296 yards (8.5 yards per reception) and 2 receiving touchdowns.

Observed him in games this season, being decisive in making that one-cut, attacking the defense style of running. Robinson was measured at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. He ran a 4.53 40 and recorded a 30″ vertical leap.

He was first-team All-SEC in 2021, and in a huge national semifinal game against Cincinnati rushed 26 times for 204 yards.

Washington usually maintains three running backs on their 53-man roster. The front runners for the three spots will be Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic. Robinson will need to beat out Jaret Patterson, and Jonathan Williams for the final spot. McKissic is coming off of a neck injury as well.

It also would appear, if Gibson is not extended or demands too much money after his fourth season, Robinson is being drafted (3rd round) to develop and prepare himself for the possibility of succeeding Gibson as the primary back.

Washington came into the draft not owning a third-round selection, having traded it to the Indianapolis Colts in the Carson Wentz deal.

The Commanders then made the first trade of this 2022 NFL draft when they traded their No. 16 overall choice to the New Orleans Saints for the Saints’ No. 16, 98 and 120 selections.

5 reasons why J.D. McKissic will not return to Washington

Here are five possible reasons why J.D. McKissic chose to sign with the Bills rather than return to Washington.

J.D. McKissic will not be back in the Burgundy and Gold next season.
McKissic agreed to a two-year deal Tuesday with the Buffalo Bills for around $7 million.

Many might be asking why McKissic is not returning.
So, here are five “POSSIBLE” reasons Why J.D. McKissic will not be in Washington for the 2022 season.

Studs and Duds from Washington’s 27-20 loss vs. Cowboys

Studs and duds from Washington’s 27-20 loss to the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Football Team 27-20 in a Week 14 NFC East showdown. While the score indicates a competitive, back-and-forth game, this contest was anything but that as the Cowboys led at halftime, 24-0.

Washington quietly got back into the game behind the strength of its defense. The WFT held the Cowboys to three second-half points, which came on a turnover by Washington deep in its own territory.

Washington’s offense scored two second-half touchdowns, while linebacker Cole Holcomb returned an interception for a touchdown. Suddenly, Washington was within one possession.

Ultimately, Washington’s rally fell short in the end, and its four-game winning streak is no more.

It was another rough game on the injury front for Washington. Terry McLaurin, Taylor Heinicke, Charles Leno and Tyler Larsen were among the new injuries Sunday. Leno returned, while the others did not.

Here are the studs and duds from Washington’s Week 14 loss to the Cowboys.

Tunnel Vision of Week 14

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Josh Allen 308 – 109 3
 Tom Brady 363 – 16 3
Ben Roethlisberger 308 – 5 3
 Aaron Rodgers 341 – 1 4
 Justin Herbert 275 – 19 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Dalvin Cook 27-205 rush
1-17 catch
2
Rashaad Penny 16-137 rush
1-1 catch
2
Najee Harris 20-94 rush
3-10 catch
2
Alvin Kamara 27-120 rush
4-25 catch
1
Leonard Fournette 19-113 rush
4-19 catch
1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Hunter Renfro 13-117 1
Tyler Lockett 5-142 1
Ja’Marr Chase 5-83 2
Robby Anderson 7-84 1
Davante Adams 10-121 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
George Kittle 13-151 1
Mark Andrews 11-115 1
Dawson Knox 7-60 1
A. Okwuegbunam 5-41 1
Austin Hooper 5-30 1
Placekickers XP FG
Justin Tucker 1 3
Harrison Butker 6 3
Dustin Hopkins 4 3
Cairo Santos 3 3
Greg Zuerlein 1 4
Defense Sack – TO TD
Titans 3 – 4 0
Chiefs 4 – 5 1
Cowboys 4 – 2 1
Browns 4 – 2 1
Washington 4 – 2 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Lamar Jackson – Ankle
QB Taylor Heinicke – Knee
QB Josh Allen – Foot
QB Justin Fields – Hand
QB Aaron Rodgers – Toe
RB Kareem Hunt – Ankle
RB Giovani Bernard – Hip
RB Rex Burkhead – Groin
RB Austin Walters – Illness
RB Austin Ekeler – Ankle
WR Terry McLaurin – Concussion
WR Emmanuel Sanders – Knee

Chasing Ambulances

Tis the season for quarterbacks and running backs.

QB Lamar Jackson (BAL) – Was carted to the locker room  with what is expected to be a high-ankle sprain. He’ll get tests on Monday to determine the severity but this is not the sort of injury that a running quarterback needs. Tyler Huntley replaced him and put in a credible effort and mounted a comeback bid in the loss to the Browns. The remaining games all face teams with winning records and will need an effective passing offense.

QB Taylor Heinicke (WAS) – Left the loss to the Cowboys with a knee injury. HC Ron Rivera said that it didn’t look bad but that they would have it evaluated on Monday. Kyle Allen would replace him again this week if Heinicke was unable to play at the Eagles.

QB Josh Allen (BUF) – Injured his foot during the loss in Tampa Bay but refused to come out of the game. Allen was in a walking boot at the press conference. He will have an MRI on his foot and ankle on Monday. If Allen misses any time, Mitchell Trubisky will take over.

QB Justin Fields (CHI) – Still nursing sore ribs, Fields injured his non-throwing hand and played with it swollen. It was X-rayed, but Fields said it wasn’t a major issue. With Andy Dalton already out with his own hand injury, Nick Foles would start if Fields were to miss any time.

QB Aaron Rodgers (GB) – He turned in a monster game against the Bears but suffered a setback to his fractured toe. Rodgers indicated that surgery is a lost resort, but he would not rule it out. The Packers will win the NFC North but need to continue to win if they hope to get the No. 1 seed and the single bye for the conference. The Packers could rest Rodgers knowing that they are going to the playoffs anyway. This should remain a topic until Rodgers or the team addresses the outlook.

RB Kareem Hunt (CLE)  – Left the win over the Ravens with an ankle injury but HC Kevin Stefanski is optimistic that injury won’t extend into this week’s matchup with the Raiders. They’ll get an MRI on Monday to make sure, but Hunt wanted to return to the game and didn’t believe it was anything significant.

RB Rex Burkhead (HOU) – The Texans’ lead running back left the loss to the Seahawks with a groin injury and David Johnson is already out on the COVID-19 list. Royce Freeman replaced him for the rest of the game but ended with only 15 yards on 11 carries. This week the Texans play at the Jaguars, so there could be minor fantasy value for a very desperate fantasy team.

RB Austin Ekeler (LAC) – Left the win over the Giants with a sprained ankle. He had his ankle re-taped after leaving the medical tent but never returned to the easy win.  HC Brandon Staley later said that Ekeler is fine and could have returned to the game but there was no need. Barring  a surprising report this week, it appears Ekeler should be good to go for Thursday night against the Chiefs.

WR Terry McLaurin (WAS) – Knocked from the matchup with the Cowboys without a catch. He left with a head injury and was downgraded to out with a concussion. If McLaurin misses the game in Philly this week, expect Cam Sims and Adam Humphries to see an uptick in targets.

WR Emmanuel Sanders (BUF) – Injured his knee and was ruled out for the rest of the game. There was no word after the game regarding the severity but there should be more news no later than Wednesday and likely on Monday.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

WR K.J. Osborn (MIN) –  Replaced Adam Thielen when he was injured in Week 13 with four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. He started this week and ended with three receptions for 83 yards and a score. His nine targets were second only to Justin Jefferson.

Falcons backfield – Mike Davis went through a few weeks where he was  phased out and Cordarrelle Patterson dominated the rushing and receiving. Over the three games, Patterson has taken over a heavy load as a rusher, but fallen back to minimal use as a receiver. Davis is now a third-down back with four or five catches per game and this week, he ran for 44 yards on 11 carries and caught five passes for 42 yards. Five catches and 86 total yards say he is still a major part of the backfield again.

WR Robby Anderson (CAR) – Turned in his best game of the season when he caught seven passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. That was more yardage than his five previous games combined. P.J. Walker threw him the score, so Anderson reverts to his old lack of production when Cam Newton plays since he only managed 33 yards when Newton played.

WR Rashod Bateman (BAL) – The rookie still hasn’t scored in the NFL but comes off his best showing yet – seven catches for 103 yards in the loss to the Browns.

RB Rashaad Penny (SEA) – After four years of injuries and disappointing results, Penny turned in a career-best effort in Week 14. He was slated to share the backfield with Alex Collins (7-16), but Penny blew up with 16 runs for 137 yards and two touchdowns. His scores came from 47 and 32 yards. Too bad next week is at the Rams because Penny has earned more touches.

QB Davis Mills (HOU) – He replaced Tyrod Taylor again and threw for 331 yards and a score against the Seahawks. His previous start was in Week 13 when he threw for 310 yards and two scores. The Texans are still not competitive, but at least Mills generates fantasy points. Brandin Cooks caught eight passes for 101 yards with Mills playing.  He only had 38 yards last week with Taylor as the starter.

WR Hunter Renfrow (LV) – The Raiders continue to crumble, but Renfrow became the focus of the offense for the last three weeks. In each game, he’s gained over 100 yards and at the Chiefs, he accounted for 13 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown.

RB Corey Clement (DAL) – With Tony Pollard out, Clement backed up Ezekiel Elliott, who was bothered by his nagging knee injury. Elliott was pulled from the game for most of the second half and while he ended with 45  yards on 12 runs, Clement gained 44 yards on 13 carries. He’s the current insurance until Pollard returns.

RB Jonathan Williams (WAS) – The itinerant running back has been on a different team in each of his  five NFL seasons. Team #5 is Washington, where he never had a touch until he was allowed four runs, one of them being a 1-yard touchdown instead of using Antonio Gibson (10-36) who flopped hard after three-straight games that suggested he was healthy and ready to be elite.

RB Craig Reynolds (DET) – He should be a poster child for the 2021 fantasy football season. Just when  D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams were both out, it was finally safe to roll out Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike. But no. Jefferson was active but never used. Igwebuike managed 25 yards on eight rushes. And the undrafted second-year player of Craig Reynolds was a Jaguar with one carry last year. His first action with the Lions resulted in 11 rushes for 83 yards and two catches for 16 yards. He pops up with 99 total yards and may return to the practice squad this week, or he may start against the visiting Cardinals. In 2021, you just cannot ever be certain.

WR Josh Palmer (LAC) – The rookie had never gained more than 25 yards in any game, but Keenan Allen was out this week and Palmer was the most targeted receiver (7) and ended with five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown for his best performance. Mike Williams ended with six catches for 61 yards and no score.

TE George Kittle (SF) – When he returned in Week 9, he started to score in every game with moderate yardage. In Week 13 at  Seattle, he posted  a season-best 181 yards and two scores on nine catches. Versus the Bengals this week, he was nearly unstoppable and ended with 13 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown. And this week, he faces the Falcons with their Bottom-5 defense against tight ends.

WR Allen Lazard (GB) – With Randall Cobb gone, Lazard became the No. 2 target behind Davante Adams in the win over the Bears. Lazard caught six of seven targets for 75 yards and a touchdown and even added a 14-yard run for his best yardage of the season.

Huddle player of the week

RB Dalvin Cook  (MIN)  –  He missed three games this year and was questionable for the matchup with the Steelers with a shoulder injury that kept him out in Week 13. Was he worth the risk of starting? Kinda. All he did was to run  for 205 yards and two scores on 27 carries and added a 17-yard catch. Imagine what he could do if he was healthy.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB B. Roethlisberger 308 3 QB Lamar Jackson 22 0
RB Rashaad Penny 138 2 RB James Robinson 4 0
RB Derrick Gore 89 1 RB Antonio Gibson 41 0
WR Robby Anderson 84 1 WR Terry McLaurin 0 0
WR Jalen Guyton 87 1 WR DK Metcalf 43 0
WR Josh Palmer 66 1 WR Julio Jones 33 0
TE A. Okwuegbunam 41 1 TE Travis Kelce 27 0
PK Evan McPherson   2 XP  3  FG PK Chris Boswell  2  XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 129 Huddle Fantasy Points = 23

Now get back to work…

Giants sign QB Clayton Thorson to practice squad

The New York Giants have signed QB Clayton Thorson to their practice squad and made some other minor transactions.

With Daniel Jones (neck) likely out in Week 14 and veteran Mike Glennon in concussion protocol, the New York Giants have a quarterback problem.

In an effort to combat the issues, Jake Fromm was signed from the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad last week and is expected to start on Sunday. However, with depth still a concern, the Giants have protected practice squad quarterback Brian Lewerke.

But wait, there’s more.

Adding to their limited depth, the Giants signed quarterback Clayton Thorson to the practice squad on Tuesday.

Thorson, 26, was originally a fifth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 NFL draft. He was released as a part of final cuts that season and then promptly signed to the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, where he’d remain until September of 2020.

After being waived by the Cowboys, he was signed to the Giants’ practice squad and eventually promoted to the active roster for two games in December. He did not make an appearance in either game.

The Giants waived/injured Thorson in August and after going unclaimed, he reverted to injured reserve. Just a few short days later, New York waived Thorson with an injury settlement. Now he’s back.

Meanwhile, defensive back Ka’dar Hollman, who was signed in October, has been placed on the practice squad/injured list.

And last, the Washington Football Team has signed running back Jonathan Williams off of the Giants’ practice squad.

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