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.