4 Commanders players that could steal roster spots in 2023

Derrick Gore - Commanders RB

The Washington Commanders appear pretty set at the running back position going into the upcoming season. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson will lead the charge and could be a dynamic backfield tandem in 2023.

The team also used a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft to select Chris Rodriguez Jr. - a bruising back from the University of Kentucky. With the top three spots likely set in stone, holdovers Jonathan Williams and Jaret Patterson will battle newcomer Derrick Gore for the likely final spot at running back.

While both Williams and Patterson spent time on the Commanders’ active roster in 2022, Gore has a previous connection with offensive coordinator Eric Biemiemy from their time together on the Kansas City Chiefs as well as being a member of Washington’s practice squad in 2019.

The undrafted free agent journeyman also spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints practice squads, serving as primarily a depth option and special teamer over his career thus far.

After being waived as part of final roster cuts in 2021 before re-signing to the Chiefs' practice squad, Gore was then moved up to the active roster - making his NFL debut against the Commanders in Week 6.

Gore played in 11 total games for the Chiefs that season, with the majority of his snaps coming on special teams. The bowling-ball back was effective in a small sample, racking up 256 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 51 attempts while also catching eight passes for 105 receiving yards in his limited action.

After spending the end of last season on the Saints practice squad, Gore is hungry for another shot at an NFL roster spot. However, he has a tough road ahead in Washington, facing some stiff competition from Williams and Patterson for the likely final spot in the Commanders' running back rotation.

A good candidate for the practice squad as emergency depth with experience in the system, Gore will need to string together productive preseason performances to have a chance to carve out a role in Washington next season.