Two positions could haunt the Commanders all year
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Trey Amos will start the season on injured reserve. Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Roster-watchers are scratching their heads over the Commanders' plans at center and cornerback.
Why it matters: Without more wheeling and dealing from general manager Adam Peters, Washington could struggle to protect the quarterback and defend the pass this season.
State of play: The league deadline to trim teams to 53 players was Sunday night, and teams had until 1pm Monday to claim players cut by other teams.
- The Commanders did not claim any players off waivers today, according to the list of league transactions shared by NFL reporters.
- Washington's first game is 13 days away, at Philadelphia.
🩼 Starting cornerback Trey Amos was placed on the injured reserve list with an ankle sprain. He has to sit out the first four games.
- As of Monday afternoon, the Commanders had only three corners on the active roster.
- Two are new to the team: Rasul Douglas, a 31-year-old who started 13 games for Miami last season, and Amik Robertson, who played in all 17 games last year for Detroit.
- Mike Sainristil is in his third year with Washington.
✏️ Washington waived cornerback Fabian Moreau on Sunday but could bring him back if he doesn't sign somewhere else.
Between the lines: Vulnerabilities against the pass could be exposed right away.
- The Commanders face some scary receivers in the first three weeks: CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens (Week 2 at Dallas), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Week 3 vs. Seattle).
💪 Yes, but: New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones could offset any weak spots by consistently generating pressure.
- The team signed free agent edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a four-year, $100 million contract.
📈 On offense, Washington is banking on QB Jayden Daniels returning to form after injuries marred his second pro season.
- Who will be snapping the ball to him, though?
Nick Allegretti moved to center from guard, where he started four games for the Commanders last year.
- He's been sidelined after a calf injury early in training camp.
- The only other center on the roster is Matt Gulbin, a rookie from Michigan State.
The bottom line: Peters is gambling that he has enough at center and cornerback.
- He'll be labeled a genius — or a doofus — depending on how it plays out.