The Washington Commanders kicked off the next phase of their offseason program Tuesday with the first of 10 OTAs. As Washington kicked off on-field activities, three Commanders were noticeably absent.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat all missed the first day of OTAs. Backup wide receiver Cam Sims also missed practice Tuesday.
McLaurin will likely miss all OTAs if his contract situation remains unresolved. McLaurin is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL and is an ultimate team leader, but is due for a massive raise as part of a new long-term extension.
Young is rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered in a Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in November. Young, like McLaurin, was present during Phase One of the offseason program.
Sweat and Sims were excused Tuesday, and head coach Ron Rivera spoke on each of the absences after practice.
On Sweat:
“Well, I know as far as Montez concerned, he had personal thing he was taking care of. We expect him back tomorrow,” Rivera said.
Young, who has spent a large portion of the offseason rehabbing in Colorado, is continuing to follow his rehab plan:
“Chase, for the most part, is working with his rehab,” the head coach said. “He has met with the doctors; they formulated a plan. He’s completing that right now. We will have him here eventually, and I believe the next couple weeks he’ll be here.”
Rivera touched on McLaurin’s absence:
“Terry, obviously, we’re working through with his contract,” Rivera answered. “I’m not gonna get into specifics about that.”
Sims was out for the birth of his child:
“And Cam had a personal thing, family. I think he’s having a baby. So, he’s excused as far as that’s concerned,” Rivera said.
Nothing alarming. Most fans expected Young to be present after Rivera seemed positive earlier this offseason. However, it’s not as if Young is just blowing OTAs off. He has worked with the team on his rehab, and there appears to be excellent communication between both sides.
All in all, Rivera seemed happy with the attendance on the first day of OTAs — which are voluntary.