Could Commanders tight end room be at full-strength for Week 1?

The Washington Commanders’ organization is currently engulfed by the Brian Robinson shooting. The favorite to win the starting running back job, Robinson was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries after he was shot multiple times during an attempted robbery or carjacking in northeast, D.C. Sunday

Robinson is out of surgery and in great spirits as he recovers, according to his social media, though it’s unclear when he’ll return to the field. The rookie’s health is everyone’s main concern right now. While we await a further update on Robinson, the team was back at practice Monday to prep for the regular season.

As Robinson recovers from his own injuries, the club received positive news on the injury front during Monday’s practice as second- and third-string tight ends Cole Turner and John Bates participated in TE drills for the first time in a while.

Commanders TEs Cole Turner and John Bates are back practicing.

Washington’s tight end room has been a revolving door for the majority of training camp, so Turner and Bates being back is a sight for sore eyes. Of course, Logan Thomas was activated off the physically unable to perform list last week, but Ron Rivera was noncommittal on the veteran’s status for the Sept. 11 opener.

That doesn’t mean Thomas won’t suit up, however.

And with Turner and Bates back in the mix, it’s suddenly possible the Commanders’ tight end room will be at full-strength for Week 1 against Jacksonville. This time last week, undrafted free agent Armani Rogers was lined up to be the starter.

Rogers impressed throughout camp and finished the preseason with five receptions for 33 yards. With Thomas, Turner and Bates still working their way back to 100%, both Rogers and Curtis Hodges made the 53-man roster, though Hodges is expected to go on injured reserve with a designation to return.

If Thomas misses Week 1, the former college quarterback will likely be active and play some snaps. The big takeaway here, though, is Turner and Bates.

Bates hasn’t been seen for nearly all of camp due to a calf injury. The 2021 fourth-round pick out of Boise State was Washington’s top rookie performer last year, finishing first amongst tight ends with an 87.6 run-blocking grade, per PFF. He added 20 catches for 249 yards, a touchdown and accounted for 11 first downs.

Turner, meanwhile, was all the rage during camp before he tweaked his hamstring. The fifth-round pick out of Nevada had become one of Carson Wentz’s favorite red zone targets and absolutely feasted during red zone drills.

Bates and Turner’s respective returns to practice obviously doesn’t confirm they’ll play in the opener, but the fact they have close to two weeks to get ready offers a semblance of optimism for their Week 1 status.

Just what the doctor ordered.