The Washington Commanders placed three players on the physically unable to perform list before training camp. Another landed on the active non-football injury list, but they can all be activated at any time.
However, it was who didn't go on PUP that represented the biggest positive for Washington.
Defensive lineman Tim Settle Jr. came back for his second spell in Washington this offseason. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from featuring in the team's early offseason program. Though disappointing, the Commanders were right to err on the side of caution with so long until Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Commanders get major boost with Tim Settle Jr.'s imminent return to practice
Their patience has been rewarded.
Settle was not given an injury designation of any kind heading into training camp. While the Commanders will still take things slowly with the interior force to avoid any further complications, having him back in the fold for a full summer of work can only be a good thing.
And if there are no setbacks from here, Settle promises to play an important role for the Commanders under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
The Commanders are projected to switch into a 3-4 base front with Jones leading the charge. His system will be predicated on beefy interior linemen clogging up space in the trenches, allowing the edge rushers and linebackers to attack the football. Settle could be the nose tackle, where he has some encouraging previous production. If this is the plan with Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw as the 3-4 ends and Johnny Newton in the key rotational spot, this has the makings of a potentially prolific quartet.
Settle does the dirty work that almost always goes unnoticed. He's a stout force against the run, with violent hands that make things extremely uncomfortable for opposing offensive linemen. And if Jones wants his bold schematic shift to bear fruit, the former Virginia Tech standout has to be firing on all cylinders throughout.
Nothing else will suffice.
Having Settle on the practice field from the jump is pleasing. He's a dependable veteran who knows how to prepare effectively, but he is also playing catch-up after missing so much time earlier in the offseason. It's an all-hands-on-deck situation, with the proven performers and new signings all needed to make a lasting contribution. His influence in the trenches will be vital.
There remain concerns around the likes of Dorance Armstrong Jr., Deatrich Wise Jr., and second-year cornerback Trey Amos, but Settle's return gives head coach Dan Quinn one less thing to worry about.
And the imposing figure will be eager to make up for some lost time this summer. Make no mistake about that.
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