The Washington Commanders haven't had the most positive offseason as injuries and concerns about the long-term vision start to pile up, but rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles are going through similar pains after second-round pick Eli Stowers' sluggish start.
Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice said the No. 54 pick hasn't "shown much to get excited about as a receiver or as a blocker" in camp. The assault got worse, as Stowers, who is currently nursing an injury, was deemed "unplayable" and is likely to start the season as a gameday inactive.
A Commanders team that kicks off the third season of the Jayden Daniels era in Week 1 against Philadelphia may face a team with Stowers on the sidelines, hyped rookie Makai Lemon nursing an injury, and a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion. For the first time in what feels like forever, Washington fans can laugh at their hated rivals.
Eli Stowers' training camp struggles should be great news for Washington Commanders
Stowers went as high as he did due to a 4.51 40-yard dash and a 45-inch vertical jump. While the Vanderbilt alum looked like a matchup nightmare due to his unique profile for the tight end position, Stowers appears to be not laterally quick enough to be a full-time wide receiver and too small to be an in-line tight end.
Even though the Commanders aren't in the best position due to injuries, Philadelphia will head into 2026 with AJ Brown in New England, Saquon Barkley having taken a step back from his past all-time great form, and yet another new voice calling plays.
Stowers proving to be more of a developmental prospect than Philly envisioned has to have Washington kicking their feet in glee at such an unforced error.
The Washington Commanders' rookies have performed fairly well
Even though Washington only had two picks in the first four rounds this year, the early returns have been quite pleasant. First-round linebacker Sonny Styles is showing signs that he can be at the heart of this defense for the next 10 years, while wide receiver Antonio Williams is gradually starting to flex his muscles and prove his final down year at Clemson was a fluke.
Part of Washington's master plan to overtake Philadelphia in the division involves the Eagles self-destructing and making a bunch of mistakes that further hurt this roster. With Howie Roseman's second-rounder looking more like JJ Arcega-Whiteside than Zach Ertz, that could give the Commanders an edge they will fully take advantage of when they meet up.
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