The Washington Commanders are back at practice after a win, and unfortunately that’s only the second time I’ve been able to write that sentence that season and it’s Week 9. In most other seasons that would mean the mock drafts/coaching searches were weekly features instead of playoff scenarios. This is not most other seasons, and an unexpectedly weak NFC East has kept hope alive for the Commanders season. They host the 4-4 Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, and the results of that game will play a big factor in how the rest of the season is managed, including next week’s trade deadline.
Head coach Dan Quinn spoke to the media before the team hit the practice fields in Ashburn, VA. The team placed three players on injured reserve this week, including starting DTs Javon Kinlaw (knee) and Daron Payne (foot) who both had likely season-ending surgeries. Kinlaw was injured in Week 6, but more testing was done with the hope that he could still play later in the season. That changed with surgery this week, and getting shut down for the season.
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The Commanders also announced two DT moves before Quinn stepped up to the podium. Ricky Barber was signed from the practice squad, and Daniel Ekuale took his spot there. Washington chose to elevate veteran Byron Cowart for last week’s game against the Eagles, and they still have that option two more times this season.
Jer’Zhan Newton’s 21-day practice window was opened last week, but he wasn’t activated for the Eagles game. Quinn said he’s in great shape, but the team wants to see him stack another week of practice and get his technique ready to go. Quinn praised the play of Shy Tuttle who had to step up, along with Charles Omenihu, due to injuries.
Quinn was asked about third-round rookie WR Antonio Williams who led the team in snaps vs the Eagles with Terry McLaurin now on injured reserve. He said the moments were never too big for Williams, and first-round rookie LB Sonny Styles.
Three more players likely done for the season:
Javon Kinlaw surgery:
Ricky Barber signed:
Pressure vs the Eagles:
Fully realized offense:
Antonio Williams:
Josh Conerly’s development:
Jer’Zhan Newton’s return from IR:
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
