Projecting Commanders’ offensive depth chart for Week 1 vs. Cardinals
The Washington Commanders released their initial 53-man roster earlier this week and have already made changes. Washington placed defensive linemen Efe Obada and Phidarian Mathis on the short-term reserve/injured list, meaning both will miss at least the season’s first four games.
With the preseason and final cuts in the rearview mirror, the Commanders have turned their attention to Week 1. Washington will host the Arizona Cardinals in front of a sellout crowd at FedEx Field.
Sam Howell will make his second career start at quarterback, with veteran Jacoby Brissett backing him up. What will the rest of the starting offense look like?
We project Washington’s Week 1 offensive depth chart.
Quarterback
Starter: Sam Howell
Backup: Jacoby Brissett
Howell won the job and proceeded to have an outstanding training camp and preseason.
Running back
Starter: Brian Robinson Jr.
Backups: Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Robinson is the lead back, but Gibson will see plenty of action. Gibson will act as Washington’s third-down back but could be more of a 1b to Robinson’s 1a instead of being his backup.
Wide receiver
Starters: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel [slot]
Backups: Dyami Brown, Byron Pringle, Dax Milne and Mitchell Tinsley
Will McLaurin be ready for Week 1? He suffered a turf toe injury in the second preseason game, and Washington has been resting him. If McLaurin plays, he may not be 100%. If the toe is still bothering him, we could see more of Brown in Week 1. Brown has had a tremendous offseason.
Tight end
Starter: Logan Thomas
Backups: John Bates, Cole Turner and Curtis Hodges
Thomas missed a good portion of training camp with a calf injury. However, coach Ron Rivera said the Commanders were just taking it easy with Thomas. Thomas said this week there were no limitations, and he appears on track for a Week 1 return.
Bates will play plenty, and Turner will also have a role. Don’t be surprised if Turner’s role grows throughout the season.
Left tackle
Starter: Charles Leno Jr.
Backup: Cornelius Lucas
Leno returns as Washington’s left tackle. Cornelius Lucas is an excellent backup with plenty of experience at both tackle positions.
Left guard
Starter: Saahdiq Charles
Backup: Chris Paul
Charles missed some time in training camp with a calf injury. The Commanders love Charles’ potential, but staying healthy has always been a concern. Washington likes Paul, too, and he received a lot of reps this summer.
Center
Starter: Nick Gates
Backups: Tyler Larsen and Ricky Stromberg
Gates is the starter and looked more comfortable throughout the preseason. Larsen is the experienced backup, while Stromberg is the promising rookie. All three players can play guard, too.
Right guard
Starter: Sam Cosmi
Backup: Ricky Stromberg
If healthy, Cosmi and Charles would be as athletic as any guard duo in the league. Washington liked Cosmi’s potential at tackle; they love his potential at guard. Stromberg could serve as his top backup.
Right tackle
Starter: Andrew Wylie
Backup: Trent Scott
Two veterans here. Wylie is the starter, and Scott is the backup. Wylie had a rough start in the preseason opener but appeared to settle in after the first two drives.
