3 Commanders players skating on thin ice entering training camp

Jan 2, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team running back Jaret Patterson (32) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team running back Jaret Patterson (32) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tyler Larsen

The Commanders’ offensive line rotation is absolutely stacked, which speaks volumes following Brandon Scherff’s departure. As we sit here today, the starting rotation (from left to right) should look like this: Charles Leno at left tackle, Andrew Norwell at left guard, Chase Roullier or Wes Schweitzer at center depending on Roullier’s health, Trai Turner at right guard and Sam Cosmi at right tackle.

That’s six spots right off the bat. Behind them, Cornelius Lucas, Saahdiq Charles and seventh-round rookie Chris Paul — likely due to his versatility — are safe bets to make the team. Assuming Washington keeps the standard nine offensive lineman, that puts Larsen on the outskirts entering training camp.

The Commanders re-signed Larsen this offseason, but he’s coming off a torn Achilles and is entering his age-31 season. Cap room isn’t a concern for the front office, but releasing Larsen would only come with a lowly $152,000 dead cap charge and $895,000 in cap savings.

A former undrafted free agent who signed with Ron Rivera’s Panthers, Larsen made nine appearances and three starts last year. Over 185 snaps, he allowed just one sack and produced a 72.7 pass-blocking grade from PFF.

Washington clearly values Larsen, but he would become expendable as the third-string center if the club gets positive reviews on Roullier’s recovery.