3 Commanders starters who could get benched in 2022
By Jerry Trotta
2. Trai Turner
The Commanders’ interior offensive line is loaded with Trai Turner, Andrew Norwell, Wes Schweitzer, Saahdiq Charles and Chris Paul. Turner and Norwell are expected to slot in at right and left guard, respectively, for Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers.
As newcomers, Turner and Norwell will have to prove themselves even though they both played under Ron Rivera in Carolina. With preseason and training camp in the rearview mirror, Norwell has several legs up on Turner in that regard.
Turner didn’t sniff the field during camp and preseason due to a quad injury. Despite that, Rivera preached confidence in the veteran lineman, saying he already knows a lot of the techniques (the Panthers connection) so they don’t need to rush him back.
That’s a nice get-out-of-jail-free card for Washington, but if Turner struggles upon returning you better believe Schweitzer will take his place in the starting lineup. After all, Turner was one of the NFL’s worst guards in 2020 with the Chargers when he posted a 34.8 player grade (albeit in nine games) from PFF.
Turner rebounded strongly with the Steelers last year and was admittedly hindered by injuries throughout 2020. The fact he’s dealing with an injury leading up to this season is a little concerning so Schweitzer should be on his toes.