Washington

Commanders

Breer adds that third-year Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey has “taken another step.” Perhaps this receiving corps is slightly better than one may have thought a few months ago. Both players are behind WR Terry McLaurin and WR Stefon Diggs, who has “immediately stepped into a leadership role” on his new team, but receiving depth is a plus for QB Jayden Daniels.

Now we know why the Commanders’ receiving back has been absent at practice recently. White reportedly tweaked a hamstring during joint practices with the Dolphins last week. He worked out prior to Friday’s preseason game, but did not play. Garafolo adds that White has “excelled” in new OC David Blough’s offense during OTAs and training camp, though starting RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt has notably been praised for his pass-catching improvements recently.

Just a few hours ago, ESPN’s John Keim reported that Newton was visiting a specialist today. Apparently, the decision to undergo surgery was made fairly quickly. This is a tough loss for the Commanders’ defensive front. Newton ranked fourth on the team in quarterback pressures (27) and third in sacks (six) last year. Commanders edge rushers, OLB Odafe Oweh (calf) and OLB K’Lavon Chaisson (knee), are also nursing injuries at the moment.

When asked for comment, Commanders coach Dan Quinn said, “anytime you’re seeing a specialist, of course, there is reason for concern.” Both starting edge rushers, OLB Odafe Oweh (calf) and OLB K’Lavon Chaisson (knee), and backup LB Jordan Magee (shoulder) are also sidelined by recent injuries. The Commanders’ defensive front is tasked with corralling the Eagles’ rushing attack in three and a half weeks.

ESPN’s John Keim expects to hear an update on White tomorrow morning. Backup RB Jeremy McNichols is dealing with a quad injury and RB Jerome Ford (hamstring) was recently placed on injured reserve. As things currently stand, starting RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, rookie RBs Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry, and veteran RB Craig Reynolds are the four healthy players. Croskey-Merritt’s reported passing game improvements have come at the right time. Allen played well on a sizable preseason Week 1 workload. He might be in line for RB2 duties if White were to miss time.

No word on what the injury was; it’s possible Ford is released with an injury settlement and resurfaces elsewhere this year. Not being close to making the Commanders depth chart at running back is ... a bleak endorsement of Ford’s future prospects. He’ll look to catch on elsewhere.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report the move. The former 49er was signed to a one-year deal earlier this offseason after a brief stint with Washington, in which he went 10-for-11 while going 2-for-2 on distances of 50-plus yards. Moody had been in a kicking competition with rookie UDFA Drew Stevens, who has outperformed Moody in camp. Moody was a third-round pick by the Niners in 2023 and has converted 78 percent of his field goals in his career and is 107-for-110 on his extra point tries.

Miller, 37, had a very productive year with the Commanders last year. PFF credits him with 36 quarterback pressures, 10 sacks and 14 tackles. Miller should make a notable impact on passing downs and still has some early-down utility as well. Miller and the team reportedly agreed to a one-year pact. It’s a smart signing for Dallas.

Brown, 30, dealt with knee, groin and rib injuries last season. He profiles as a rotational player at this point in his career, but the Raiders’ wide receiver depth chart is fairly thin. He is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant, though he can help out at the team level. The Raiders correspondingly released DT Benito Jones.

McNichols probably is no higher than fourth on the depth chart in Washington behind ‘Bill,’ Rachaad White, and Kaytron Allen. Missing time due to injury doesn’t bode well for him making the initial 53-man roster.