Attendance for the start of organized team activities was extremely high for the Washington Commanders. It sent a clear message that last season's failures would not be tolerated again, pleasing fans who don't want complacency to return.
There were a couple of notable absences. However, head coach Dan Quinn moved quickly to alleviate concerns regarding their long-term outlook over the summer.
Veteran edge rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr. and second-year cornerback Trey Amos didn't participate. Both suffered significant knee and leg injuries, respectively, last time around. Their presences were sorely missed, but time is now on the Commanders' side.
Dan Quinn alleviates concerns over Commanders' injury absences at OTAs
This sentiment was echoed by Quinn via Zach Selby on the team's website. The coach revealed that several players are currently being managed after last year's injury crisis. The reporter outlined that although having everyone available right now would be nice, ensuring they are ready to go by training camp is the primary goal.
"[Dan] Quinn said the Commanders are managing several players who sustained injuries last season, and all of them are on slightly different tracks to returning to the field. As much as the Commanders want everyone on the field for OTAs and mandatory minicamp, their main goal remains having everyone ready to go by training camp."
This should cool down the panic meter.
Armstrong is making good progress. Amos is also on track with no additional setbacks during his recovery. Both are expected to play key roles on the Commanders' defense next season, so gradually bringing them along to minimize risk is paramount.
The Commanders dealt with more injury problems than almost any other team last season. It decimated their slim playoff hopes, though the vibes weren't exactly promising before disaster struck. This is all about looking forward, and everyone is clearly raring to go.
If it takes Armstrong and Amos until training camp to feature prominently, that's perfectly fine. Participation at OTAs and Washington's mandatory minicamp is not the endgame. They both have to be on the field in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and they both have to stay healthy throughout the entire campaign.
Nothing else will do.
Amos has a chance to be CB1 this season. Armstrong has plenty of competition in the edge-rushing room, but it's also worth remembering that he was playing like a potential Pro Bowler last time around before his campaign was cruelly cut short. If he's fully healthy, the former Kansas standout will play an important role.
Missing OTAs during their injury recovery doesn't change that fact.
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