The Washington Commanders are searching for solutions at the tight end position with Zach Ertz out. Ben Sinnott and blocking specialist John Bates will lead the charge. However, those in power also want to see what they may have in a forgotten player who's been an afterthought throughout the campaign.
Heading into Washington's divisional showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles with little much to play for other than pride, this would be a good time for the Commanders to experiment. Injuries are propelling those further down the pecking order into more prominent roles. And with Colson Yankoff becoming the latest to go on the shelf with an ankle problem, it's provided the perfect opportunity to call up Lawrence Cager from the practice squad.
Cager joined the Commanders earlier this year. Despite flashing as a pass-catcher throughout the summer, he didn't do enough to make the 53-man roster. Although disappointing, the coaching staff gave him a chance to remain on the practice squad to further hone his skills.
Commanders add extra intrigue to Week 16 with Lawrence Cager elevation
The former Georgia standout converted to the tight end position in 2024. Cager was a wide receiver before that, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this equation. If he's developed sufficiently in recent months, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury could throw a lot of targets in his direction versus the Eagles' vaunted defense.
Sinnott got just one target in Washington's win over the New York Giants. The Commanders will need much more from the tight end position if they want to upset Philadelphia. And if Kingsbury remains reluctant to pile too much on the 2024 second-round selection, Cager could be next in line.
It'll be interesting to see what the Commanders have planned for Cager. He could be restricted to special teams, or he could get some involvement on the offensive rotation if the situation dictates. But when an opportunity does come his way, he must seize it with both hands.
The Commanders are evaluating everything right now. Everyone is being scrutinized, and very few have their respective positions locked in next season. Cager's been on the outside looking in so far. But he's still just 28 years old, so a strong effort in Week 16 at Northwest Stadium might be a tipping point to brighter fortunes moving forward.
Cager has stayed patient, developing behind the scenes as he awaits his long-awaited call-up. That's now arrived, but whether he can capitalize on it is the big question nobody knows the answer to right now.