Story by
4 standouts from Day 13 of Commanders training camp
- Story by
- 4 standouts from Day 13 of Commanders training camp
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn opened Wednesday's practice with some injury updates. We've reached the point of training camp where several players are dealing with injuries. The most significant is left tackle Laremy Tunsil's torn pec . Unfortunately, defensive tackle Johnny Newton also tore his pec in Friday's preseason opener and underwent surgery on Wednesday. Like Tunsil, he will miss significant time, perhaps the entire season.
Regardless of injuries, Washington still had practice. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has seen his snaps increase with Marcus Mariota 's injury. Perhaps the increased reps are why Quinn is considering keeping Daniels on the sideline for Saturday's preseason game against Detroit and going with the duo of Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis.
Advertisement
Speaking of practice, which players shined in Wednesday's padded practice? Here are four standouts.
TE Chig Okonkwo
Okonkwo has quietly had an excellent camp. We've heard Ben Sinnott , Lawrence Cager and Colson Yankoff mentioned a lot with John Bates out. Yankoff has made this list a few times, as he's making splash plays, and he's also improved as a blocker. But Okonkwo has a chance to take his game to another level with the Commanders. We've seen his connection with Daniels grow with each practice. In both practices this week, they've connected for big plays. Okonkwo is trending up.
G Sam Cosmi
Overshadowed a bit by the offensive line injuries, right guard Sam Cosmi is primed for a huge season. He looks like an annual All-Pro out there this summer. Cosmi's big and powerful, but he's also very nimble. He's often dominated 1-on-1s in practice and was impressive there again on Wednesday.
RB Kaytron Allen
With two of Washington's running backs sidelined, rookies Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr. have seen an increase in snaps. Here's what Zach Selby of commanders.com said about Allen's big day.
Allen had a few solid runs, including one that broke into the second level near the end of practice. It was arguably one of the best running performances the offense has had all month, and Allen was at the forefront of that with his vision and good feel for finding running lanes between the tackles.
CB Antonio Hamilton Sr.
Who will step up as Washington's fifth cornerback? Veteran Antonio Hamilton Sr. appears to be that guy. When Ahkello Witherspoon abruptly retired two weeks ago, it created an opportunity. There's also the issue of Trey Amos ' injury. Hamilton was outstanding in the preseason opener, specifically on special teams. He makes plays on defense, too. He hustles and is always around the ball. Hamilton made another impressive play in Wednesday's practice.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 4 standouts from Day 13 of Commanders training camp
