The Washington Commanders wrapped up their three-day mandatory minicamp Thursday and are one OTA away from being finished for a while.
The Commanders have one final OTA practice Tuesday before taking a six-week break for training camp.
The week started with the news of defensive end Chase Young’s return to the team. Young, Montez Sweat and Charles Leno Jr. skipped Washington’s voluntary OTAs the previous two weeks. All three players were present for earlier portions of the offseason program in April.
It was another week in the development of quarterback Sam Howell. Howell had his moments — positive and negative — and has done enough to enter training camp as QB1, according to head coach Ron Rivera.
It’s difficult to call players winners and losers during a three-day minicamp with no hitting. However, we’ll name five players who left the minicamp trending in a positive direction.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) prepares to pass the ball during day three of minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
In calling Jacoby Brissett a winner, it doesn’t mean you’re calling Howell a loser. According to some in attendance, Howell did plenty of good things, but he also looked like a young quarterback at times. Some noted that Brissett looked tentative during OTAs, which was likely a function of the veteran getting comfortable in a new offense.
During last week’s minicamp, Brissett appeared much more comfortable. While Howell is still expected to have every chance to win the job outright, the Commanders have someone in Brissett they can turn to and still believe they can win with.
Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas (82) makes a reception during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders are banking on Logan Thomas returning to full health in 2023. After a career season in 2020, Thomas battled injuries in 2021. A hamstring injury sidelined him, and after he returned, he tore his ACL in December. Thomas recovered in time for Week 1 and played 14 games. However, it was clear early in the season that Thomas wasn’t 100%.
Head coach Ron Rivera said Thomas looked much healthier late in the season, and that has carried over into the offseason. Thomas has been a frequent target of Howell in OTAs and during the minicamp. If he remains healthy, he could in store for a big season as Howell’s safety valve.
Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) talks while stretching alongside teammates during day three of minicamp at Commanders Park, held inside the training bubble due to poor air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke in Ashburn. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Young showed up and, during drills, didn’t look like a player who suffered a devastating knee injury 18 months earlier. We stress again how it’s tough to judge certain positions, but if we go by drills alone, Young looked like his old self. He appeared happy to be around his teammates and told reporters he was just ready to play football. Young, just by showing up and resembling his old self, makes him a winner and quiets some of the talk of him missing OTAs. That changes, of course, if Young struggles when the season begins.
Washington Commanders linebacker Khaleke Hudson (UFA). (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Linebacker Jamin Davis has been slowed by an offseason knee procedure, paving the way for Khaleke Hudson to receive more reps with the first team. Hudson has taken advantage of those opportunities and appears to be much more than a special-teams performer for 2023. Coaches were excited about Hudson after how well he played in the Week 18 win over Dallas. Hudson is a player we should all be watching in training camp.
okayyyy @KhalekeHudson 👀 pic.twitter.com/wKWKgpBpaZ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 6, 2023
Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (13) stands on the field during Commander’s rookie minicamp at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
You didn’t think we were going to miss the chance to mention Emmanuel Forbes, did you? It was another good week for the first-round rookie. He had more opportunities to line up against Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. While he lost some of those battles, he won some, too. All that matters for Forbes is the experience during the offseason. Rivera noted how he was facing some of the best route runners in the league in McLaurin and Dotson, and that’s the best training he can receive.
.@emmanuelforbes7 out here making plays 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6W0znJGbDt
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 8, 2023