3 players fighting for Commanders future over final four games
By Jerry Trotta
Despite not playing in Week 14, the Washington Commanders’ playoff odds increased from 69% to 74% after the Giants and Seahawks lost. With a win over the Giants at home on Sunday Night Football, their odds will likely climb well north of 80%.
While the playoffs are at the forefront of every Commanders conversation, there’s more at stake over the final four games than qualifying for the dance. Lost in the commotion of making the playoffs with a winning record for the first time since 2015 is the future of several players.
On one hand, several role players are positioning themselves to ink contract extensions in the offseason. Daron Payne, meanwhile, is giving the front office no other choice but to move heaven and earth to sign him before free agency.
Other players’ futures aren’t such a sure thing, however.
With that in mind, let’s highlight a trio of Commanders who are fighting for their future in Washington the rest of the way.
3 players fighting for the Commanders future in final four games
3. Wes Schweitzer, OG
A free agent to be in 2023, Schweitzer last two years in Washington have been ravaged by injuries.
In 2021, the versatile offensive lineman played 11 of a possible 17 games. This season, he’s played three of a possible 13 games due to a concussion. We hate holding injuries against a player as much as the next fan, but that’s 16 games missed in less than two seasons. That almost equates to a full season, folks.
Schweitzer’s been a great servant to the Commanders over his three years, but at some point the front office has to wonder if the team would be better off signing a swing guard/center fill-in who has a better history with durability.
It’s almost as if the universe is giving Schweitzer a final chance to prove himself. With Tyler Larsen done for the year on injured reserve, and Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell personifying the definition of average at both guard spots, Schweitzer figures to see substantial playing time over the final four games.
We all know how much this regime loves roster continuity. If Schweitzer helps stabilize Washington’s wonky OL, Ron Rivera and company might just be convinced to bring him back on a cheap one- or two-year deal.