Ricky Barber - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders have some issues on their new 3-4 defensive front right now. Daron Payne is hurt and being treated with extreme precaution. Things are much bleaker for 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton, who will miss months after suffering a torn pectoral injury.
Payne should hopefully be ready for Week 1. Newton will be out for much longer, and considering free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. has also missed considerable time over the summer, it makes the tough choices lower down the depth chart even more important.
The Commanders seem a little light on dependable options right now. That could change if further additions come into the fold, but general manager Adam Peters might also be willing to ride it out with what he has and hope for the best.
That brings Ricky Barber under the microscope.
The interior presence spent most of last season on the practice squad but did flash when given a call-up to the main roster. Barber has built on this positive momentum during his second offseason in Washington, making a strong impression in training camp and maximizing opportunities in the team's first two preseason games.
With so many doubts around the defensive trenches, having Barber as a promising backup is more than feasible. Waiving him jeopardizes that considerably.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders OLB
Strengthening the edge-rushing room was Adam Peters' biggest priority this offseason. He spent big money to bring Odafe Oweh into the fold, and K'Lavon Chaisson has also made a considerable impact after betting on himself in Washington this offseason.
Unfortunately for the Commanders, both are currently injured. They should be back for Week 1, though head coach Dan Quinn didn't have a definitive timeline for Oweh's return. They have others capable of filling the void, but just who that'll be remains to be seen.
The dynamic is slowly working itself out, and fans will find out more when the Commanders allocate their playing time against the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason finale. However, 2024 seventh-round selection Javontae Jean-Baptiste has seemingly done enough to book his place on the 53-man roster.
Jean-Baptiste flashed promise as a rookie. The former Notre Dame pass-rusher featured just three times last season due to injury, which left his roster hopes hanging in the balance entering Year 3 of his professional career.
This brought a positive response. After finding his football legs again, Jean-Baptiste is clearly eager to make up for some lost time. He looks stronger and more explosive coming off the edge, and even though the Commanders have other options, attempting to stash him on the practice squad isn't a gamble worth taking.
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