Tag: Percy Butler

5 young Commanders with something to prove in Week 18 vs. Cowboys

We name five young players to watch in the season finale against the Cowboys.

From the moment the Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday, the Washington Commanders were moving on to 2023.

As a result of their embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, the Commanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention once the Packers took care of the Vikings. What a difference a month makes. On Nov. 27, the Commanders were 7-5 and sitting pretty in the NFC playoff race.

Now it’s about evaluating some young players as the Commanders look to 2023. Chief among those evaluations is rookie quarterback Sam Howell. After initially planning to start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback in the Week 18 finale against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Ron Rivera changed his mind after speaking with players, including Heinicke, and turned to Howell.

By looking at Washington’s injury report this week, Rivera is planning to evaluate much more than Howell.

We’ve picked five Commanders to watch in the season finale who could play an increased role in 2023.

Commanders will be without safety Kam Curl vs. 49ers

Curl is a big loss for Washington, but cornerback Benjamin St-Juste is active.

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The Washington Commanders will be without a critical part of their defense for Saturday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Starting safety Kamren Curl will miss his third game of the season with an ankle injury.

Curl injured his ankle in Sunday night’s loss to the New York Giants and made the trip to California with the team. He tested the ankle on the field before the game and couldn’t go.

Curl was limited in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and did not practice Thursday and was listed as questionable for the game.

Curl missed Washington’s first two games after he had surgery on his hand in the preseason. The Commanders defense turned things around after a slow start and Curl’s return was a major reason for that improvement.

Head coach Ron Rivera spoke on what Washington would do if Curl couldn’t play. Rookie Percy Butler and veteran special-teams stalwart Jeremy Reaves would both get some time at safety next to Darrick Forrest.

In some good news for the secondary, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste is active.

Ron Rivera discusses defensive plan if Kam Curl can’t play

Where will the Commanders turn if Kam Curl can’t play?

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Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl is a terrific player. The 2020 seventh-round pick has emerged as a vital piece of Washington’s defense, and that was evident in the first two games of the 2022 season, which he missed due to injury.

His return coincided with Washington’s defense playing at a much higher level. Curl’s presence, combined with the growth of second-year safety Darrick Forrest, has given the Commanders a talented pair of young, physical safeties who complement one another.

Curl is listed as questionable for the Week 16 game with an ankle injury. If Curl can’t go, that’s a big loss for the Commanders.

Head coach Ron Rivera discussed Curl’s injury this week.

“Obviously just the ankle,” Rivera said. “Again, defensive backs have gotta use those plant and drive off of those feet, and we just gotta make sure he can do it. He’ll continue to get his treatments, and we’ll see how he is come Saturday morning.”

What’s the defensive plan if Curl can’t go?

“Well, for the most part, it’s gonna be by committee,” Rivera said. ‘We’ve got guys that’ll now get opportunities to step in and play the position. We’ll rely on Percy [Butler], and we’ll rely on Jeremy [Reaves], a couple of guys that have really stepped up when they’ve got an opportunity and have performed nicely for us. So, we’re feeling pretty comfortable with whatever we have to do.”

You can’t just replace Curl. However, the good news is the Commanders have options. Reaves always plays well when he’s been forced into action on the defense. The Pro Bowl special-teamer knows the defense and brings plenty of experience. Butler, a rookie fourth-round pick, has also excelled on special teams this season. He’s also seen an increase in defensive snaps over the last several weeks.

For Rivera, he certainly hopes Curl will be on the field against the Niners.

Titans vs. Commanders Week 5 injury report: Wednesday

Both teams had five players miss practice Wednesday.

The Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans released their first injury reports of the week Wednesday ahead of their Week 5 matchup on Sunday.

Five players missed practice for the Commanders; among them were starting wide receivers Jahan Dotson [hamstring] and Curtis Samuel [illness] and right tackle Sam Cosmi [finger.] Dotson was injured Sunday, and head coach Ron Rivera said Monday that he could miss “one or two” weeks.

Cosmi injured his hand Sunday, and it could keep him out of multiple games. Washington’s offensive line has struggled and losing Cosmi is the latest blow.

Samuel should be fine.

Rookie safety Percy Butler [quad] and linebacker Milo Eifler [hamstring] also missed practice for the Commanders.

Left tackle Charles Leno [shoulder] was limited, but as Rivera said last week, they are taking it easy with the veteran, lightening his practice reps.

Linebacker David Mayo [hamstring] was also limited.

The Titans also have five players not participating Wednesday, including rookie wide receiver Treylon Burks and linebacker Bud Dupree.

Rivera confident in Darrick Forrest and Percy Butler

Ron Rivera is excited about Washington’s young safeties and believes they are ready.

The Washington Commanders will enter Sunday’s Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars down starting safety Kam Curl. Curl was ruled out Friday with a thumb injury.

While the Commanders hope Curl will only be out for one week, head coach Ron Rivera is confident in the young players who will fill Curl’s shoes.

Second-year safety Darrick Forrest had an outstanding summer and is poised for a larger role in 2022.

“Well, what you’ve seen from DeFo [Forrest] is you see him playing very fast,” Rivera said. “He’s very physical. After Kam [Curl], he’s probably one of our more physical guys. He’s a downhill player. He’s very active. He plays with his eyes pretty well. He sees a lot. I like his ability to run. He’s got good quickness. He’s quick in a small area, confined area. And he can turn and run.”

Rivera also discussed the difference between Forrest as a rookie in 2021, to now.

“I just think overall knowledge more so than anything else,” Rivera said of Forrest. “Because then you see a guy play with confidence, and a guy playing with confidence is gonna play fast. And that’s the thing that you like, is that right now he is playing fast.”

Forrest missed nine games last season and appeared mostly on Washington’s special teams units.

Rookie Percy Butler will also be in the mix for playing time Sunday.

“I think it’s been really good,” Rivera said about Butler’s progress. “Just when you ask a guy to play one specific position, that’s pretty cool. But now all of a sudden you’ve got him splitting his time between being a safety and being the Buffalo, which is really the nickel. You ask a lot, especially of a rookie but he seems to be handling it very well. So, I’m pretty optimistic about his opportunity to get on the football field and play well.”

Washington will miss Curl Sunday, but now someone else has an opportunity. Look for Forrest to play the majority of snaps in place of Curl while Butler focuses on the Buffalo nickel role.

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Twitter reacts to the Commanders selection of Percy Butler

Twitter reacts to Washington’s selection of Percy Butler.

The Washington Commanders selected Louisiana safety Percy Butler at No. 113 overall in the 2022 NFL draft. We profiled Butler and what he could bring Washington.

Butler is a versatile safety who can play free safety, although he could be a contender to play some in the Buffalo nickel role. It will be interesting to hear head coach Ron Rivera discuss the versatile and athletic Butler.

Not everyone will be happy with Butler’s selection. Washington could’ve selected Joe Burrow, and there would be complaints, a reminder that Twitter isn’t real life.

With that being said, let’s see some of the top Twitter reactions to Washington’s selection of Butler.

Instant analysis: Washington selects Percy Butler in 4th round

Percy Butler can help Washington on defense and special teams immediately.

The Washington Commanders selected Percy Butler (Safety) out of Louisiana at No. 113 on day 3 of the 2022 NFL draft in Las Vegas.

Butler is a tremendous athlete running a 4.36 40, who will instantly replace Deshazor Everett, being much better in pass coverage, and help on special teams his rookie year backing up Bobby McCain.

Pro Football Talk analyst Chris Simms praised Butler before the draft, and literally as soon as Washington selected him.

Troy Apke has been the gunner, playing mostly special teams. It could also be the case that the defensive coaches may be looking to replace Apke as well. Apke was converted to cornerback last season.

Butler was second-team All-Sun Belt Conference his senior season of 2021, accumulating 61 tackles, six for loss, four pass breakups, one blocked kick in 12 games.

Well, the young man certainly possesses a great deal of confidence.

 

 

Commanders select Louisiana safety Percy Butler No. 113 overall in 2022 NFL draft

The Washington Commanders selected Louisiana safety Percy Butler at No. 113 overall in 2022 NFL draft.

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The Washington Commanders selected Louisiana safety Percy Butler with the No. 113 overall selection in the 2022 NFL draft.

Butler was a three-year starter at Louisiana and as a senior, he recorded 60 tackles, including six for loss, defended four passes and recovered three fumbles. Butler was a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection.

Washington entered the draft wanting a safety and Butler was an under-the-radar prospect who ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. In addition to his work on defense, Butler was also a standout on special teams.

NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had the following to say about Butler on the live draft telecast:

“On special teams, he’s going to be dominant right out of the gate,” Jeremiah said.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called Butler an underrated prospect.

Report: Jaguars interested in Louisiana safety prospect

The Jaguars are one of three teams to arrange a visit with Louisiana safety Percy Butler ahead of the NFL Draft, according to PFN.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of three teams to schedule visits with Louisiana safety Percy Butler ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft next month, according to a report from Mike Kaye of Pro Football Network. The Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings also arranged visits with the Ragin’ Cajuns standout.

Butler has seen his draft stock rise since his strong performance at the combine last month. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash in Indianapolis.

Butler spent the past four seasons in Louisiana where he collected 167 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, a sack, three interceptions, 13 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries during his college career. In his final year, he posted 60 tackles, six tackles for a loss, an interception, and four pass breakups. Butler was also an excellent gunner for Louisiana on special teams.

Butler also has one connection to Jacksonville’s staff in assistant defensive line coach Rory Segrest. Head coach Doug Pederson hired him after he spent the last four seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Kaye said Butler could play safety or as a nickel corner for teams because of his natural straight-line speed.

Many media members who cover the NFL Draft believe Butler will be a late-round pick next month. Butler will be a name to watch for Jacksonville with its abundance of sixth- and seventh-round picks.

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