Will injury to promising UDFA convince the Commanders to sign a linebacker?

The Washington Commanders had their first padded practice of training camp Tuesday. While the sound of hitting was a welcome sight for fans in attendance, the mandated safety helmets took a little bit of physicality off the table.

While the defense was the clear winner from Monday’s session after they intercepted Carson Wentz three times and picked off backups Taylor Heinicke and Sam Howell, Tuesday was much more balanced and competitive.

Unfortunately, however, the biggest takeaway was injuries.

Curtis Samuel missed practice again as he continues to ramp up and get back into football shape, per Ron Rivera, as did John Bates, Trai Turner and Troy Apke. James Smith-Williams was a surprise scratch with a hip injury, too.

The most bone-chilling part of the day came in the form of undrafted free agent linebacker Drew White, who was carted off with an apparent leg/knee injury.

The Notre Dame product slammed his helmet in frustration, which is usually a tell-tale sign that it’s a major injury or one that’ll shelve him for the rest of camp. Sure enough, Rivera confirmed Monday that White suffered a torn ACL.

With the Commanders already shorthanded at linebacker, could this unexpected injury convince them to finally sign a LB?

Will the injury to promising 2022 UDFA Drew White convince the Commanders to sign a linebacker?

Rivera has raved about Washington’s young linebackers, including White, so this injury throws a wrench into the positions’ depth. Before camp, Rivera stressed that he wanted to reassess the position a week into practice before deciding if the team should make a move. Well, we’re approaching the one-week mark and the Commanders now have one less player providing competition.

That isn’t ideal for a position that’s widely perceived as the biggest weakness on the roster. The remaining players include Cole Holcomb, Jamin Davis, David Mayo, Khaleke Hudson, De’Jon Harris, Milo Eifler and UDFAs Tre Walker and Bryce Notree.

Davis is the wildcard of the group and he’s reportedly shown growth at camp. With that said, there’s no way to gauge how he’ll play once the regular season starts. Holcomb is the clear standout of the group and it’d do wonders for his confidence if the Commanders added a veteran free agent to alleviate some of the pressure he currently faces to carry the group.

Luckily for Washington, there’s still some intriguing names braving free agency, including Alexander Johnson (our preferred choice), Anthony Barr, who could help out as an edge rusher while Chase Young finishes his ACL rehab, three-time champ Dont’a Hightower and former Cowboys starter Jaylon Smith.

If nothing else, the Commanders should bring in one of these players for a camp tryout. The injury to White should serve as a timely (albeit unfortunate) reminder that the linebacker position needs to be bolstered in some way, shape or form.