3 burning roster questions Commanders must answer before Week 1
By Jerry Trotta
Just like that, Week 2 of preseason is in the rearview. You know what that means? Training camp is winding down, the Washington Commanders have just one preseason game remaining and the regular season will be here before you know it.
Most of the Commanders’ starting and backup roles for the upcoming campaign are settled. We largely know how the QB depth chart will shake out and the same can be said for the offensive and defensive line and secondary.
With that said, some roles remain unresolved with the season opener against Jacksonville just weeks away, so let’s highlight some pressing roster questions Washington must answer before then. Without further ado…
3 roster questions the Commanders must answer before Week 1
3. Who’s the Return Specialist?
Special teams often gets overlooked in terms of importance, but a couple splash plays from the group could alter the outcome of a game. Just ask Bill Belichick. The longtime Patriots head coach practically worships special teams and it’s no coincidence New England is always among the league leaders.
Unfortunately, it’s currently unknown whom Washington will trot out as its kick and punt returner in Week 1. The question is so muddled, in fact, that it gave Antonio Gibson a rep as a kick returner Saturday against the Chiefs.
For what it’s worth, Gibson averaged 28.0 yards on 23 kick returns in college. The Commanders likely don’t want their de facto No. 1 running back returning kicks every game for injury concerns, but that could change if budding rookie Brian Robinson leapfrogs him on the depth chart (more on that in a minute).
The other candidates are Jahan Dotson (for punts), Dax Milne, Alex Erickson and undrafted free agent Kyric McGowan. At this juncture, it’s anyone’s guess whom will get the nod, but Washington better act fast with Week 1 fast approaching.