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Commanders begin Day 9 with some roster moves
The Commanders began Day 9 of camp by signing veteran defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth to a one-year deal and waiving cornerback Christian Holmes, a 2022 seventh-round pick.
Stallworth worked out with the Commanders last week and gives the team depth and position flexibility while Johnny Newton eases his way back into the fold after recovering from a second foot surgery. The move also helps the team keep veterans Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne fresh going into the season.
The team has [one] more open practice in front of fans [on Monday]. It follows with its first joint practice, against the New York Jets in Florham Park, N.J., on Thursday, and the first preseason game on Saturday, at MetLife Stadium.
Commanders.com
Training camp notebook | Jayden Daniels ready for next test vs. Jets defense
“I think we’ve probably said it all along there’s been a whole process,” Quinn. “It’s not been a secret at all but a process of how we’re going to go get guys ready. So, the games are important, to go and play and get ready — not just with Jayden, but with everybody.”
Quinn did not specify how much Daniels would play in Saturday’s preseason game, which is scheduled to kick off at noon in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Commanders have not been vocal about their exact plans for Daniels, but it is noticeable that his usage has increased through the first two weeks of camp. While he and Mariota are still splitting time with the starting offense, Daniels has been getting more reps by the day. Over the past two practices, Daniels has worked almost exclusively with the starters.
Although Daniels admitted he still has a way to go before being a starter, he has shown gradual progress in commanding the huddle, getting comfortable in the offense and using his skill set. He continues to get the ball out quickly, build a relationship with his targets and even show off parts of his game that he didn’t show as much in college like hitting receivers in the middle of the field.
The next step for Daniels is to look impressive against another defense that he hasn’t seen for the better part of three months. He’s not shying away from it.
ESPN
Jayden Daniels ready for ‘different challenge’ with NFL debut
“I’m very excited,” Daniels said Sunday. “I love playing, love to compete. Going out there will be a different challenge.”
Quinn said Daniels’ processing of information, both before and after the snap, “has been excellent.”
Daniels said his goals for the game will be basic: evaluate how sharp the offense looks; determine whether it can execute at a high level; focus on potential pre- or post-snap penalties.
“It’s my first one ever. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into, so just go out there and have fun,” Daniels said.
Quinn said he wants Daniels to play in part to experience game situations for the first time in the NFL.
“The games are important to go and play and get ready. And so not just with Jayden but with everybody,” Quinn said. “There’s a lot of important elements for a lot of guys.”
Sports Illustrated
Washington Commanders Notebook: 3 Linemen Missing from Training Camp Practice No. 9
The Washington Commanders resumed practice on Sunday without some key players in attendance.
Beginning the day the Commanders opened practice without offensive lineman Sam Cosmi and defensive linemen Dante Fowler Jr. and Johnny Newton.
Cosmi and Fowler were absent without full explanation from the team as they’re not required to disclose those items this time of year, but coach Quinn did say they were taking a cautious approach with Newton, the rookie defensive tackle.
Specifically, Newton will be ‘ramped up’ and then ‘ramped down’ as camp progresses to ensure he’s getting developed, but also getting opportunities for his body to continue healing after undergoing a second foot surgery in this calendar year alone.
The Commanders did add defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth Sunday morning to the roster giving them more flexibility in how they manage practice reps throughout camp.
Riggo’s Rag
These Commanders players could become shocking cut candidates before Week 1
Ricky Stromberg – Commanders OL
Stromberg suffered some injury problems as a rookie and couldn’t generate any momentum. The former third-round selection out of Oklahoma is being tried as an offensive guard after starting his career at the center spot. There’s not been much to shout about throughout camp so far. One can also make a case for players like Chris Paul outperforming the second-year pro based on the musings of those in attendance.
Darrick Forrest – Commanders S
Darrick Forrest was an undisputed starter on the backend alongside Curl last season. They were seen as one of the league’s most gifted young safety tandems and hefty things were expected in 2023. Unfortunately, things took a sour turn early on.
Forrest’s hopes of taking another significant leap were dealt a cruel blow. The former Cincinnati star suffered a shoulder complication that ended his campaign after just five games. There was no point in risking him down the stretch even if the defensive back was ready. It was another season that promised much and delivered little, leaving new general manager Adam Peters with no option other than to implement substantial alterations across the roster.
Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. like their players to be big, fast, and physical in the secondary. The Commanders are moving forward with free-agent signing Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin as their starting safety duo based on the early impressions at training camp according to those in attendance. Forrest’s been on the fringes, which led to speculation about his role and status on the 53-man roster under Washington’s improved coaching staff.
Jamin Davis – Commanders LB
The former first-round pick was given no consistent help alongside him at the defensive second level as the linebacking corps became an afterthought under Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio. He performed well without ever reaching exceptional standards, but it wasn’t enough for the Washington Commanders to trigger his fifth-year option this offseason.
This raises the stakes considerably. Davis is officially in the final year of his rookie deal and must convince those in power he’s worth keeping around long-term. He’s also embarked on a crucial position switch at training camp, spending the majority of his time as an edge rusher to see what he can potentially bring to this key area of the field.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. – Commanders RB
Rodriguez isn’t doing much wrong. The physical runner finds himself on this list thanks in no small part to the performance levels of others vying for an opportunity.
Jeremy McNichols is making his presence felt in no uncertain terms at training camp according to those in attendance. The journeyman hasn’t found a stable hope for long throughout his time in the league. There’s an urgency to his production in keeping with his current predicament. This should keep Rodriguez on his toes with preseason games on the immediate horizon.
Commanders Wire
Commanders’ CB Michael Davis striving for another level
Friday, cornerback Michael Davis mentioned how he is often being made uncomfortable.
“I think, what drew me to be part of this group was the leadership from Dan Quinn, Joe Whitt and Jason Simmons…I think that at this point in my career, I know that I have an extra level to reach and I thought that with them being teamed up with them, I could reach that level.”
Davis, age 29, has played seven NFL seasons (Chargers) and is still looking for ways to reach another level. Having started 74 games, Davis came to Washington hoping Quinn, Whitt and Simmons could help develop him further.
“Every day at practice they put us in uncomfortable positions and they always stress that you gotta be comfortable being uncomfortable. So being in uncomfortable positions allows us to grow and just to excel.”
When asked if he could provide an example, Davis didn’t hesitate. “Every day I practice, they are like, ‘Michael, we want you to go press. You gotta consistently go out and perfect your craft, keep pressing.’
“No matter the situation, keep pressing and sometimes in certain scenarios, in my head, it might feel like I don’t wanna go press, but in the back of my mind it’s like if I go up and press and challenge myself, it’ll make me better.”
Podcasts & videos
‘Feeling Hungrier Than I’ve Ever Been’ | 1-on-1 Interview with Jon Allen
Washington Commanders Training Camp: Sam Cosmi, Johnny Newton Absent | Jayden Daniels Watch
Jayden will play in Jersey, O Line shuffle continues, Forbes shows out and its kids day! The pod is up https://t.co/qS4heveglR
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 4, 2024
On video wrapping up the day. Daniels to face the Jets. One play that highlight the day for the first O. Health updates. Roster moves @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/Sp39dzoSoG
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 4, 2024
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Behind the scenes from Day 9
The Washington Commanders wrapped up their fourth practice on Aug. 4. Check out all the action from Day 9 of training camp.
NFC East links
ESPN
NFL training camp 2024 live updates: Latest on roster battles
New York Giants
Right tackle Evan Neal is still not ready. He remains on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury and doesn’t appear especially close to a return. Neal had surgery on his ankle in January. The Giants wouldn’t say whether he’s had a setback or that his recovery has just taken longer than expected. Just that he will not return this week (the Giants have two joint practices with the Lions on Monday and Tuesday). “He’s just not ready to go yet,” coach Brian Daboll said. In the meantime, the Giants have pivoted to another plan. They’ve moved offseason acquisition Jermaine Eluemunor to right tackle. That doesn’t seem likely to change, even when Neal returns. But Daboll did say that, for now, Neal will remain at tackle, not guard. It seems as a backup tackle. Not exactly ideal for the No. 7 overall pick in 2022. — Jordan Raanan
(Last update: Aug. 4)
Philadelphia Eagles
Rookie receiver Johnny Wilson has pushed his way into the competition for the No. 3 wide receiver spot. The 6-foot-6, 228-pound Florida State product has been getting work with the starters the last couple of practices. Wilson, a sixth-round pick, has drawn some targets from Jalen Hurts in the red zone, where he can use his size to his advantage. “I put in some work in the offseason with Jalen and some of the other guys, just building up those reps and that connection with everybody,” Wilson said. “It’s been great getting some of those first-team reps and I’m just trying to keep on building day in, day out.” Wilson is in the mix along with Britain Covey and veterans John Ross and Parris Campbell. Coaches have hinted in recent days that wide receiver 3 duties could be shared by multiple players, with playing time tied in part to matchups. — Tim McManus
(Last update: Aug. 4)
Washington Commanders
Washington signed defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth to provide more depth during training camp, a nod in part to how the team feels it needs to handle second-round rookie Johnny Newton. He did not practice Sunday (after being limited Friday) as he recovers from May surgery on his left foot. Coach Dan Quinn said it’s a case of “load management” as some days Newton will do more, then taper off the next. Quinn also said they want to limit the wear and tear on defensive tackle Jon Allen, entering his eighth season. Washington might need more help at right tackle as well with starter Andrew Wylie limited again Sunday due to tightness in an unspecified area. A backup, Alex Akingbulu is dealing with an unspecified leg injury as well. That forced the Commanders to use backup guard Mason Brooks as their No. 2 right tackle in practice Sunday. — John Keim
(Last update: Aug. 4)
Big Blue View
Giants’ center John Michael Schmitz misses sixth straight practice
New York Giants starting center John Michael Schmitz missed his sixth straight practice on Sunday due to a shoulder injury. That makes it unlikely that Schmitz will do more than walk-throughs, if he does anything at all, during the padded joint practices Monday and Tuesday against the Detroit Lions.
Head coach Brian Daboll said that Schmitz is the “same” as he has been.
“Rehabbing. It’s getting better, just not ready to go,” Daboll said.
Schmitz was the Giants’ second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, selected with the hope he could anchor the middle of their offensive line after several years of shuffling at center.
Schmitz missed four games last season with an injury to the same shoulder that is now causing him to miss practice. After a sub-par rookie season, the Giants need improvement from Schmitz in Year 2. This injury, and the missed practice time it is causing, will not help.
The Giants have had to re-configure their offensive line twice already in training camp. First, when Evan Neal landed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Jermaine Eluemunor moved to right tackle with Aaron Stinnie taking over at left guard.
Schmitz’s injury, and the signing of veteran interior offensive lineman Greg Van Roten, have led to another iteration of the line. This one has Van Roten at center, with Runyan at left guard and Stinnie at right guard.
Whenever Schmitz returns, the expectation is that Stinnie and Van Roten will compete at right guard.