Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders OLB
It's been a long time since the Washington Commanders have had Deatrich Wise Jr. available. The versatile defensive lineman got hurt in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers last season, and it's taken him a long time to recover.
Now, there is hope.
The Commanders opened Wise's 21-day return window, which was a major boost. It will take him a while to get his football legs back, but having him on the practice field is nothing but positive.
Nobody, including the Commanders, expects Wise to start. But his impressive run-stopping could boost the edge rotation, especially with Charles Omenihu dealing with groin and ankle problems heading into Week 5.
When Wise gets the green light to rejoin the game-day lineup, someone will have to make way on the 53-man roster. Reading between the lines, that could be Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
The 2024 seventh-round selection also missed most of last season through injury. Jean-Baptiste returned this summer and did more than enough to book his place on the squad. However, he's been a healthy scratch over the last two games, and with Wise coming back, one could forgive the player for nervously looking over his shoulder.
If this scenario becomes reality, Jean-Baptiste can return to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Kaytron Allen - Commanders RB
The running back dynamic is set to shift again. Jeremy McNichols' return window opened this week, and the coaching staff values him as a capable rotational back and a core special-teams option.
That means the Commanders will look to get him back involved as soon as possible. They have four running backs on the active roster right now, and five might be too much to manage.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt looks safe despite his slow start to the season. The same goes for free-agent signing Rachaad White, who missed Week 4 with a shoulder injury. The Commanders also recently re-signed Austin Ekeler, who looked like Washington's most productive back when given carries against the Colts.
That leaves sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen.
While it would be surprising to see the Commanders give up on Allen so soon, nothing should be ruled out. He's underwhelmed so far, and there isn't enough trust to get him involved. Considering the Penn State product also offers very little special teams value, he could be the one to make way for McNichols' imminent return to the lineup.
That would be a big call. But stashing him on the practice squad would be almost assured if he clears waivers in this scenario.
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