Naomi Feinstein
2 min read • August 04, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 7-10 | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 8.5
Washington’s football team is entering this season with a new name and a new starting quarterback. The Washington Football Team turned Washington Commanders acquired former Eagles and Colts quarterback Carson Wentz in the offseason.
He is joining running back Antonio Gibson who played the 2021 with a shin injury. Gibson, who aimed to become more of a three-down back, versus a receiving threat outperformed with 258 rushes for 1037 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. He added 42 receptions for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns out of the backfield.
Tight end Logan Thomas is the big issue on offense as he is coming off an ACL injury with additional knee damage. The Pro Football Docs do not have confidence in him for the first half of the season.
Wide receiver Curtis Samuel aims to bounce back after his unimpressive first year in Washington. A groin injury forced the former Carolina Panthers receiver to miss 11 games as he only grabbed 6 catches for 27 yards. Samuel has looked explosive and seems to have recovered from his soft tissue and muscle issues, according to reports from training camp
A centerpiece to the offensive line is now center Chase Roullier with Brandon Scherff leaving in free agency. He has been activated off the PUP list after his brutal leg injury last season.
The dominant Washington defensive front may be weaker to start the season with defensive Chase Young still recovering from his ACL injury. He is starting camp on the PUP list while Montez Sweat is back and recovered from last season's jaw fracture. The line currently sits at No. 2 for top units in the league, according to PFF.
Wentz is commonly labeled injury prone, but our panel of Docs said that is not entirely true. He has endured a laundry list of injuries including a torn left ACL and LCL, a fractured vertebra, a concussion, a foot fracture and ankle sprain. However, the former North Dakota quarterback can play through injuries and recovers quickly. He played all 17 games for the Indianapolis Colts last season and looks continue to stay healthy this season.
Gibson sustained a stress fracture in his shin but decided to play through the injury last season. The Pro Football Docs do not believe the shin injury will linger into his third season in the league and expect Gibson to impress with his rushing and receiving abilities.
Thomas is still rehabbing his knee after tearing his ACL, MCL and both menisci in his left knee. Because it was late-season injury, Thomas will not be back until at least couple weeks into the season. He is currently sitting on the training camp PUP list.
Chase Roullier is back in the lineup during training camp after working his way back from his season-ending left fibula injury. It has been a difficult road of recovery for Roullier who will not start the season healthy.
Cosmi, the team’s second round pick in 2021, missed eight games last season because of ankle and hip injuries. has since used the offseason to get healthy and improve his pass-blocking skills. The hip not the ankle worries the Docs about the potential for further injury. He PFF predicts Cosmi to be a potential breakout candidate on the offensive line.
The star defensive end is not going to be at full-strength to begin the year. He is currently sitting on the Commanders’ training camp PUP list. He is going to be playing on the side that requires pushing off the surgically repaired knee, which may be difficult for the pass-rusher.
After playing in 9.5 games last season, Sweat is fully healthy ahead of the 2022 season. His fractured jaw is fully healed as he dedicated the offseason to recovery and strength training.
Written by Naomi Feinstein
Training camp Day 2: Antonio Gibson is still on the side field as he continues to be ramped up from a hamstring injury. It’s also very hot
