5 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 9 at the NY Giants
By Dean Jones
Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
Despite missing two of the three practice sessions with a shin issue this week, the Washington Commanders didn't give explosive linebacker Frankie Luvu an injury designation for this one. However, his progress over the opening exchanges will be worth monitoring to see if the complication impacts his performance levels.
This makes Bobby Wagner's role pivotal in more ways than one. The perennial All-Pro has been nothing short of a revelation since joining the Commanders, providing exceptional communication, outstanding production, and playing a leading role in the team's remarkable culture shift.
Wagner needs to raise his game if Luve is not at 100 percent. He needs to keep a close eye on Daniel Jones when the struggling signal-caller opts to get out on the move. He also needs to identify the running lanes of Tyrone Tracy Jr. after he got the all-clear to participate.
The former second-round pick and future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer is well on track to earning another deal if he wants it. If Wagner can achieve the aforementioned objectives in this one, the better the Commanders' chances will be of extending their fairytale campaign.
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
The Commanders won't have veteran offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas in Week 9. Fortunately for those in power, rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman is out of the NFL's concussion protocol and doesn't carry an injury designation into this weekend's contest.
Coleman and Lucas split reps at the left tackle spot over the season. It was a recipe for success, but the former TCU star must now adapt to the full-time role with Lucas out of the lineup.
Considering how Trent Scott struggled when tasked with starting responsibilities in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, the Commanders will likely roll with Coleman uninterrupted. This is a big step up for the promising player, especially considering he'll be responsible for keeping Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari from causing havoc in the backfield.
Burns and Ojulari are a devastating edge-rushing tandem with eight sacks between them over the last three games. Giving Jayden Daniels clean pockets from which to work is key. Coleman must be at the top of his game and provide the assurance needed to give Washington a chance of achieving another notable road victory.