As the Washington Commanders began the third week of training camp on Sunday, they were dealing with some nagging injuries.
On Monday, the Commanders worked out multiple players, eventually signing veteran safety Joshua Kalu, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, per Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
BREAKING: Former #Titans safety Joshua Kalu is signing with the Washington #Commanders, per league source.
Kalu had a successful workout with the @Commanders this morning.
Kalu’s IG pic.twitter.com/LiNSbrLtcv
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) August 7, 2023
In a corresponding move, the Commanders placed defensive back Troy Apke on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
#Commanders DB Troy Apke headed to IR with a shoulder injury, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 7, 2023
Kalu, 27, played collegiately at Nebraska and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Titans in 2018. He spent three seasons in Tennessee and signed with the New York Giants ahead of the 2021 season. He tore his pectoral muscle in the first preseason game and missed the entire season.
He re-signed with the Titans in 2022, where he played 15 games, recording 16 tackles and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus gave Kalu a run-stopping grade of 93.5 in 2022 in just under 500 defensive snaps.
Washington also worked out a punter Monday. The Commanders, of course, have Pro Bowl punter Tress Way, but he’s dealing with some tightness in his lower back, and Washington was being cautious.
Head coach Ron Rivera expects Way to be ready for Friday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.