Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
The Washington Commanders have to think on their feet at the tight end position. Blocking specialist John Bates sustained a groin injury on Thursday Night Football, which head coach Dan Quinn stated will probably keep him out this weekend at Northwest Stadium.
Considering four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby will be going up against rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., this presents Washington with a big problem. One only has to look at how much the Oregon product struggled versus the pass-rushing duo of Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary in Week 2 to see what complications could arise if the right game plan isn't in place.
That brings Ben Sinnott under the microscope. The 2024 second-round pick didn't get involved much after Bates went out. However, that could change with a whole week to prepare.
The Commanders were expecting big things from Sinnott when they took him at No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's been an underwhelming start to his professional journey to date. But if there was ever a time for the Kansas State product to step up, it's now.
One thing is for sure: fans will find out precisely what the Commanders think of Sinnott by examining his Week 3 usage.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE
As previously stated, losing Deatrich Wise Jr. for the rest of 2025 is a body blow to the Commanders' defensive front. He's a dependable veteran who does all the little things well. Considering the concerns about the lack of edge depth, it's no surprise to see general manager Adam Peters exploring alternative options.
According to the NFL's transaction wire, the Commanders worked out edge rusher Preston Smith on Tuesday. No deal was confirmed in its immediate aftermath, which could suggest Washington is willing to move forward with what they have before deciding on more drastic measures.
That could be good news for Javontae Jean-Baptiste. The 2024 seventh-round selection split time with Jacob Martin on the edge when Wise went out of the game. He showed willingness against the run, but the Notre Dame product lacks the pass-rushing arsenal to make a significant difference right now.
Jean-Baptiste has moved up the pecking order after Wise's injury. How much longer he stays there remains to be seen, and a stern test awaits this weekend against in-form Las Vegas Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller.
For all the Raiders' complications through two games, Miller has been almost flawless. But if Jean-Baptiste can make things happen when his number is called, that'll improve his long-term outlook.