Stefon Diggs was the star attraction on Day 8 of Washington Commanders training camp. But the wide receiver's long-awaited arrival was not the only piece of positive news as preparations for the 2026 campaign gather pace.
Shortly before practice, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that cornerback Trey Amos, edge rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr., and Pro Bowl punter Tress Way had all passed their respective physicals and are returning to practice. None of these players have participated so far. In two cases, they haven't been seen since suffering long-term injuries during the Commanders' ill-fated 2025 campaign.
The cavalry has returned. And for the first time in months, the Commanders are playing with almost a full deck as their brutal injury bug finally lifts.
Commanders get three key players back to practice at the perfect time
Nobody needs to be reminded of how injuries decimated Washington's aspirations last year. Thankfully, everything seems to be trending up now, and even though the returning trio will be brought along gradually, having them back in their fold represents another massive boost.
Armstrong's breakout season was cruelly cut short by a torn ACL suffered in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys. He is a dynamic edge rusher when fit and firing on all cylinders. There is extra competition within the unit after a busy offseason from general manager Adam Peters, but he should have an important role to play once he has his football legs under him.
After some impressive rookie flashes, Amos sustained a fractured fibula in Week 10 versus the Detroit Lions. He opted not to have surgery, but it was a soft tissue injury that prevented him from taking the field over the early stages of camp. And after the 2025 second-round pick dropped a telling hint on social media, the Commanders have now given him the green light.
Way's injury was less severe. He was dealing with a pectoral strain, but the Commanders didn't seem overly concerned about his outlook. They were right, and the team's longest-serving player will now resume his place as a consistent on-field presence and respected locker room leader.
The Commanders will remain cautious. This is still a step-by-step process. Washington cannot afford any setbacks, given how important these players are expected to be this season. But with just over a month until Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, there is plenty of time to get them up to speed.
If all goes well from here, Way will be the starting punter with a Pro Bowl résumé. Amos will be the starting outside cornerback and could even be the No. 1 option if additional improvements arrive. Armstrong might also start, but at the very least, he'll be a primary rotational piece alongside Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson.
If any team deserves a little bit of luck on the injury front this season, it's Washington. Peters improved the team's depth, and they look better equipped to cope with any absences. But if the Commanders want to reach the playoffs again, they need their big hitters to be healthy throughout.
Amos, Armstrong, and Way are precisely that. And having them on the practice field is another important milestone.
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