The Washington Commanders' inactive players pretty much decided themselves in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. Dan Quinn's squad is currently decimated by injuries, so it's a matter of managing things effectively and hoping some key players can return to action sooner rather than later.
Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Percy Butler, Noah Brown, and John Bates were all ruled out. That left the Commanders with just two healthy players to remove from the equation before their game-day roster was finalized.
Veteran edge rusher Preston Smith was one. He's still working his way into genuine football shape after signing with the Commanders recently. The other was Brandon Coleman, who is a healthy scratch for the second-straight contest after being benched in favor of Chris Paul last time out against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Brandon Coleman forced to accept new reality with the Commanders
This is another damning indictment of Coleman's long-term outlook. The 2024 third-round pick isn't a lost cause just yet, but others are clearly ahead of him in the pecking order. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury revealed this week that the TCU product's demotion was injury-related. However, that might not be the case after another crucial setback.
Paul, who performed exceptionally well in place of Coleman, deservedly kept his spot at left guard. But not allocating the second-year pro a backup role is arguably more concerning.
This could be Coleman's new reality for the time being. A considerable effort is needed to turn the tide. Regaining the trust of Washington's primary decision-makers is the first step. Staying focused and working hard to improve his craft should also be a high priority for him. After that, it's a case of seizing the moment when his number is called again.
When that'll be is anyone's guess. The Commanders are comfortable moving forward with Paul and Andrew Wylie as their starting guard tandem, at least until Sam Cosmi gets back. Coleman will have to be patient, be a good teammate, and remain focused on the task at hand. Everything else is out of his hands.
It's not how Coleman envisaged his second season in the pros. However, this latest blow is a telltale sign that the Commanders are going forward without the interior presence.