Tag: Washington Commanders

Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders name rookie QB Jayden Daniels as starter

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders named rookie Jayden Daniels their starting quarterback for the season opener on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 8.

Last season’s Heisman Trophy winner at LSU, Daniels was the No. 2 overall selection in the NFL Draft behind top overall selection, quarterback Caleb Williams of Southern California who went to the Chicago Bears.

Daniels completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions last season at LSU. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 scores in 12 games.

In two preseason games, Daniels was 12-of-15 passing for 123 yards. He also has 16 yards rushing on three attempts with a touchdown.

“I thought he had another really good outing,” Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said after Daniels was 10-of-12 passing for 78 yards preseason game against the Dolphins on Saturday. “The accuracy, the decision-making of where to go. He really is a unique competitor.”

Daniels, a Los Angeles-area native who began his college career at Arizona State, helped LSU to a 10-3 record last season but did not play in the Tigers’ victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl as he prepared for the NFL Draft.

“I like competing; I’m a competitor,” Daniels said. “Regardless of if I was announced the starter or not, you still gotta compete. You still can’t be content (with) your job, (be) comfortable and think it’s just your job and seal the deal. You gotta compete.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney (58) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: NFL reinstates 5 players suspended for gambling

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The NFL has reinstated five players who had been suspended indefinitely for violating the league’s gambling policy, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

Current Washington Commanders edge rusher Shaka Toney, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Rashod Berry and three former Detroit Lions — wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore and defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor — were reinstated.

Toney and four Lions players, including Moore and Cephus, were suspended last April. Lions wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were suspended for six games.

The Lions released Cephus and Moore when they were suspended.

The league suspended indefinitely Berry and Colts defensive back Isaiah Rodgers as well as free agent Taylor, who had been waived by the Lions about a month earlier. They were penalized for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season.

Rodgers, who remains suspended, later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have his rights.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) reacts after a play in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Commanders re-signing All-Pro Jeremy Reaves

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The Washington Commanders are re-signing safety and All-Pro special teams player Jeremy Reaves to a two-year contract, according to multiple media reports.

Reaves, 27, played in only five games in 2023 before sustaining a season-ending torn ACL.

He was first-team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022, when he played in 17 games (three starts), made 33 tackles and played on 81 percent of special teams snaps.

Reaves was a pending unrestricted free agent after playing in Washington since 2018.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (51) blocks Washington Commanders linebacker Cody Barton (57) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders activate LB Cody Barton ahead of Cowboys game

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The Washington Commanders activated linebacker Cody Barton off injured reserve on Wednesday and made him available for Thursday afternoon’s game against the host Dallas Cowboys.

Barton had led the team in tackles (61) in starting all seven games when he sprained his ankle in an Oct. 22 loss at the New York Giants. He has missed the last four games.

He was a full participant at practice this week, leading head coach Ron Rivera to tip his hand that Barton would be activated Wednesday.

“He’s had a good couple of days,” Rivera said Tuesday. “He had actually a good week last week, and he’s champing at the bit, he’s been a pain.”

Barton, 27, signed with the Commanders in March after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 draft out of Utah. He has started 23 of 72 games for the Seahawks and Commanders, totaling 292 tackles and two interceptions.

His return allows starting linebacker Jamin Davis to change his responsibilities on the field.

“I think what it does is it puts Jamin back at his more natural position that he’s been playing the last couple of years and just kind of settle him back down,” Rivera said. “That’d be really good for Jamin. And just his overall communication skills as an inside guy. I don’t know if we’ll have to rely on as many different personnel groupings either on defense, but I thought David Mayo came in and did a heck of a job for us.”

Running back Antonio Gibson, who was limited in practice Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with a toe injury, was listed as questionable for Thursday’s game.

Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (elbow) and defensive end James Smith-Williams (hamstring), who each did not practice this week, were ruled out for the game.

In another move, the Commanders placed linebacker De’Jon Harris (quad) on injured reserve. Harris, 26, appeared in six games this season and made one tackle.

Washington signed defensive end Joshua Pryor and running back Jonathan Williams from the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) catches a touchdown past Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl (31) during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Embattled Tommy DeVito leads Giants past Commanders

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Tommy DeVito threw three touchdown passes and the New York Giants defense forced six turnovers in a 31-19 NFC East victory over the Washington Commanders Sunday in Landover, Md.

With Washington driving late in a bid for a potential game-winning touchdown, Isaiah Simmons picked off a fluttering pass by Sam Howell and ran 54 yards for a game-clinching touchdown with 16 seconds left.

Saquon Barkley had two of the touchdown receptions and rushed 14 times for 83 yards as the Giants (3-8) won for just the second time in their past nine games, with both of the victories coming over the Commanders (4-7).

In the second start of his career, DeVito weathered nine sacks to complete 18 of 26 passes for 246 yards without an interception. In the past three weeks, DeVito has been sacked 20 times.

Howell completed 31 of 45 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown, but his three interceptions were costly.

One of the Commanders’ most damaging mistakes came at the end of the third quarter when Chris Rodriguez Jr. fumbled and Micah McFadden recovered for New York.

On the next play, Barkley ran for 36 yards setting up his own 5-yard touchdown reception, which gave the Giants a 21-12 lead with 13:32 left.

New York increased its lead to 24-12 on a 36-yard field goal by Randy Bullock, following an interception by Damay Holmes.

Washington answered with Howell capping a 75-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson with 2:16 left.

After a three-and-out, Washington got the ball back at its 19. But after Howell drove the Commanders into Giants territory, he threw his game-ending pick.

In the first half, after Washington committed turnovers on its first two possessions, New York broke on top 7-0 as DeVito lofted a 24-yard touchdown pass to Barkley.

After the Commanders answered with a 23-yard field goal from Joey Slye, the Giants increased their lead to 14-3 as DeVito threw a 40-yard touchdown strike to Darius Slayton.

Washington responded with a 75-yard, 12-play drive capped by Howell who pinballed off tacklers near the goal line to score on a 7-yard run.

After Howell was knocked to the turf at the end of the play, a skirmish broke out resulting in the ejections of Giants cornerback Cor’Dale Flott and Commanders wideout Curtis Samuel.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has more than half of the Giants’ sacks this year, had two of New York’s four in the victory.

– Field Level Media

Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) is tackled by Washington Commanders linebacker Cody Barton (57) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders place OG Saahdiq Charles, LB Cody Barton on IR

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The Washington Commanders placed starting left guard Saahdiq Charles and linebacker Cody Barton on injured reserve Saturday, with both now set to miss at least four weeks.

Charles and Barton were hurt in the 14-7 road loss last Sunday against the New York Giants. Charles, who started all seven games this season, aggravated a calf strain that surfaced during training camp. Barton, who has 61 tackles while starting seven games, sprained an ankle.

In corresponding moves, the Commanders (3-4) elevated linebacker Jabril Cox and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields from the practice squad to the 53-man roster for Sunday’s home game against the Philadelphia Eagles (6-1).

Washington also removed defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis (calf) from the injury report and will activate him on Sunday. Fullback Alex Armah was signed from the practice squad.

Mathis, 25, was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday. He has been sidelined with a calf injury since he was placed on injured reserve after the team announced its final cuts this summer. Wednesday’s move opened a 21-day window for Mathis to be added to the 53-man roster.

The Commanders selected Mathis in the second round of the 2022 draft out of Alabama. He sustained a torn meniscus and exited on a cart during his NFL debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 11, 2022, and has not played in an NFL game since.

Barton, 26, signed as a free agent with the Commanders in March after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 draft out of Utah. He has started 23 of 72 games for the Seahawks and Commanders, totaling 292 tackles and two interceptions.

Veteran David Mayo will replace Barton, with Khaleke Hudson, a special teams standout, expected to get more snaps on defense.

Charles, 24, was a fourth-round pick by Washington in the 2020 draft out of LSU. Between dealing with injuries, he’s played in 31 games, including eight starts before this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles (77) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders OL Saahdiq Charles, LB Cody Barton out vs. Eagles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Washington Commanders starting left guard Saahdiq Charles and linebacker Cody Barton will miss the home game Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles because of injuries.

Both were hurt in the 14-7 road loss last Sunday against the New York Giants. Charles, who started all seven games this season, re-aggravated a calf strain that he dealt with in training camp. Barton, who has 61 tackles in starting seven games, sprained an ankle.

Barton, 26, signed as a free agent with the Commanders in March after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Utah. He started 23 of 72 games for the Seahawks, totaling 231 tackles and two interceptions.

Veteran David Mayo will replace Barton, with Khaleke Hudson, a special teams standout, expected to get more snaps on defense.

“I mean, you know what we have to do,” Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. “What do we say? Next man up. That’s what it has to be, right? For us, Dave (Mayo) is the guy. He stepped in last week, played pretty solid for us. They’re a little different in what they bring, but Dave is the guy that’ll play a little bit more.”

Charles, 24, was a fourth-round pick by Washington in the 2020 draft out of LSU. Between dealing with injuries, he’s played in 31 games, including eight starts before this season.

The Commanders have not announced his replacement in the starting lineup, though second-year lineman Chris Paul (one career start) and rookie Ricky Stromberg (three appearances) are leading candidates.

Washington (3-4) listed wide receiver Curtis Samuel (foot) and defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis (calf) as questionable for Sunday’s game against Philadelphia (6-1).

Mathis, 25, was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday. He has been sidelined with a calf injury since he was placed on injured reserve after the team announced its final cuts this summer. Wednesday’s move opens a 21-day window for Mathis to be added to the 53-man roster.

The Commanders selected Mathis in the second round of the 2022 draft out of Alabama. He sustained a torn meniscus and exited on a cart during his NFL debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 11, 2022.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. (72) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders OT Charles Leno Jr. out after wife’s miscarriage

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Washington Commanders starting left tackle Charles Leno Jr. will not play against the host Atlanta Falcons after his wife posted on social media Sunday that she had a miscarriage.

“Last night our baby girl, Paitynn Maui Leno, gained her wings unexpectedly,” Jen Leno posted on Twitter. “She came into this world just like her big sisters, quick & fierce, & was such a fighter. Thanks to everyone who has poured so much love & prayer into us throughout this journey. Rest easy sweet girl.”

They have three daughters and Paitynn was expected to be born in the spring, ESPN reported.

The Commanders (2-3) listed Leno as inactive for Sunday afternoon’s game due to a non-injury-related personal matter.

Leno, 32, is in his third season with Washington and has started all 39 games he played, including the first five this season. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft and played in 102 games (94 starts) from 2014-20.

In addition to Leno, other players on the inactive list for the Commanders were cornerback Christian Holmes, defensive end K.J. Henry, guard Chris Paul, tight end Curtis Hodges and wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley.

Inactive players for the Falcons (3-2) were quarterback Logan Woodside, cornerback Clark Phillips, offensive lineman Kyle Hinton, tight end John FitzPatrick and defensive linemen Eli Ankou, Ta’Quon Graham and Joe Gaziano.

–Field Level Media

Jun 16, 2021; Lake Forest, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins in action during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Bears activate OL Teven Jenkins before game at Commanders

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The Chicago Bears activated left guard Teven Jenkins for the first time this season before the game Thursday night against the host Washington Commanders.

The Bears (0-4) also elevated safety A.J. Thomas from the practice squad to the active roster and released veteran quarterback Nathan Peterman.

The Commanders (2-2) downgraded rookie running back Chris Rodriguez (illness) to out for the game and elevated running back Derrick Gore from the practice squad to the active roster.

Jenkins, who started 11 of the 13 games that he played in 2022 for the Bears, had been out the first four games on the IR because of a calf injury. Jenkins, 25, returned to practice Monday and is listed as questionable on the injury report.

Thomas, 24, has not played in a game this season but was active in a loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday. He appeared in five games with four tackles as a rookie with Chicago last season.

Peterman, 29, was the emergency third QB against Denver after being the top reserve behind starter Justin Fields for the first three games. Rookie Tyson Bagent is now the No. 2 QB.

Peterman is in his sixth season after playing for the Buffalo Bills (2017-18), Las Vegas Raiders (2020-21) and Bears (2022). His career totals are 13 games (five starts), 85-of-160 passing for 712 yards, four touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Rodriguez, 23, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Kentucky, has appeared in three of the first four games and has three carries for 7 yards.

Gore, 28, appeared in last Sunday’s overtime loss at the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in 2021 for the Kansas City Chiefs under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who is in his first season at the same role with Washington.

–Field Level Media