The Washington Commanders signed tight end Logan Thomas to a three-year contract extension last July just ahead of training camp. Thomas followed Jonathan Allen as two core players Washington retained.
Unfortunately for the former college quarterback, his 2021 season didn’t go as planned. After a breakout 2020 season, where he established career-highs in receptions (72), yards (670), and touchdowns (six), Thomas would miss 11 games and spent two stints on injured reserve.
Thomas injured his hamstring in a Week 4 win over the Atlanta Falcons and missed the next six weeks. He returned in a Week 11 win over the Seahawks, catching three passes, including one touchdown that was called back.
The following week, Washington traveled to Las Vegas to face the Raiders. Thomas again was having a strong game until a questionable hit by Las Vegas defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, and he was lost for the season.
It was a frustrating blow for Thomas and the Commanders.
Now, Thomas is on the road to recovery after December surgery to repair a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus. While his goal is to return to action for Week 1, Thomas will listen to his body.
“Would love to be back for Week 1; that’s my goal,” Thomas said via Bijan Todd of NBC Sports Washington. “If it doesn’t happen, I don’t feel right, feel like I got limitations, then I’ll come back when I’m ready…Week 1 would be great; if not, so be it.”
Thomas told reporters Tuesday he was close to running at 75% and then explained how his knee was feeling.
“Knee’s doing good, happy with the progression so far,” Thomas said. “Thankful it’s gone the way it has. God’s blessed me with decent recovery skills, so thankful for that.”
Since Thomas went down last season, Washington’s tight end position looks a bit different. Last year’s rookie, John Bates, emerged as a capable starting tight end. While Bates isn’t an electric athlete, he is a strong blocker with great hands and solid athleticism. Then, the Commanders added Cole Turner in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Those players, along with former wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden and another developmental player, Sammis Reyes, join Thomas in a crowded tight end room.
Thomas praised each of the young tight ends Tuesday.
Taylor Heinicke missed Thomas last season. New quarterback Carson Wentz likes throwing to the tight ends, and Thomas has proven to be a valuable red-zone weapon. Washington needs Thomas back, but fortunately, it has built enough depth to allow Thomas to return when fully healthy instead of being all in for Week 1.