Washington Football Team: This overlooked rookie can push for 53-man roster spot vs Bengals

The Washington Football Team is looking to rebound from its Week 1 loss in the preseason, when they ultimately succumbed to poor run defense and an inability to finish drives with points on the scoreboard.

It doesn’t help that Dustin Hopkins missed two field goals. Those were big momentum shifters, but it’d be wrong pin the L squarely on his shoulders.

In any event, the Football Team has a prime opportunity to bounce back vs the Bengals, who already ruled out Joe Burrow as he continues to recover from the torn ACL and MCL he suffered against Washington in Week 11 last year.

It goes without saying a few players are in need of a big performance, including Hopkins, and QBs Kyle Allen and Steven Montez.

However, the rash of injuries WFT is dealing with at tight end has paved the way for John Bates to prove he’s deserving of a spot on the final roster.

John Bates faces a huge opportunity vs the Bengals on Friday.

We all know Logan Thomas is the undisputed No. 1 TE after he inked a three-year extension this offseason. The Football Team clearly has big plans for the 28-year-old star, but nobody’s emerged as his definitive backup.

Sammis Reyes looked the part against the Patriots, but he’s in concussion protocol and likely won’t suit up.

The same can be said for Temarrick Hemingway, who’s already been ruled out with a concussion and was likely sliding down the depth chart anyway after his lackluster preseason debut, which included a dropped pass and poor blocking.

With Bates healthy and Thomas unlikely to play a lot of snaps, the rookie has a chance to stake his claim as the second or third tight end.

The 2021 fourth-round pick’s prowess as a pass catcher is evident, but there were questions about his blocking coming out of Boise State.

In a clear sign he’s put in the work this offseason, Bates more than held his own vs New England and another sound performance as a blocker and pass catcher on Friday against Cincinnati could give Ron Rivera and Co. something to think about as we approach the 53-man roster deadline.

The Football Team obviously wouldn’t cut a rookie fourth-round pick, but Bates could save himself from being an emergency stash on the practice squad…and that would be a tremendous achievement given how stacked Washington’s TE room is.

It’s in his hands and time will tell if he takes it by the scruff of the neck.