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3 Commanders who were lucky to make the 53-man roster

By Jerry Trotta

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Dyami Brown #2 of the Washington Commanders spins in an attempt to avoid the tackle of Kevon Seymour #25 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Dyami Brown #2 of the Washington Commanders spins in an attempt to avoid the tackle of Kevon Seymour #25 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Commanders’ 53-man roster has been submitted.

It was a hectic 24 hours leading up to Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline and that was only amplified by the Brian Robinson incident. When the dust settled, Robinson made the final roster and might even avoid a long-term spell on the sidelines.

Roster cutdowns are a brutal time around the NFL. Roster bubble players grind all offseason despite facing impossible odds to make the team. Like most clubs, the Commanders had no shortage of players who were unlucky to get waived, with running back Jaret Patterson chief among them.

On the flip side, though, Washington has some players who should be thanking their lucky stars they have a spot on the 53-man roster.

3 Commanders who were lucky to make the 53-man roster

(Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
(Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

3. Shaka Toney, DE

We actually love what Toney offers as a pass-rusher and think he can bring real value as a backup behind Chase Young and Montez Sweat. However, if you look at the defensive end depth chart, it’s pretty clear Young’s injury got him over the roster hump.

The Commanders kept five edge rushers: Montez Sweat, Efe Obada, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill and Toney. The first three were virtual locks and the coaching staff, including Ron Rivera, has raved about Toohill’s work ethic.

While Toney may offer more upside as a pass-rusher, Toohill might’ve gotten the nod over him had Young not been placed on the Reserve/PUP List.

Again, this isn’t to say Toney didn’t deserve a spot. He popped on occasion during training camp and was one of Washington’s top defensive performers in Week 2 of the preseason against Kansas City when he logged two sacks.

But let’s call it like it is: Toney likely would’ve found himself on waivers — and potentially back on the practice squad — had Young been healthy to start the year. That’s all we’re saying. Again, we’re big fans of the Penn State product.

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