4 Commanders players who must hit the ground running at 2023 training camp
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders players must hit the ground running during the team's upcoming training camp ahead of the 2023 campaign?
We are less than a month away from the Washington Commanders descending on Ashburn once again for what promises to be a fascinating training camp for the franchise. One that could see Josh Harris and his team of partners on the sidelines once their $6.05 billion purchase gets formal NFL approval on July 20.
Harris' ownership group is going to raise the stakes exponentially. He reportedly wants boots on the ground throughout camp, which is a potential distraction for head coach Ron Rivera heading into a pivotal fourth season at the helm.
Rivera's seat is among the league's warmest. The primary focus remains on the football side, but Washington must also put the right foundations in place this summer before taking the field in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
With that being said, here are four Commanders players that must hit the ground running at training camp in 2023.
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Although the Washington Commanders are currently implementing Saahdiq Charles at the starting left guard position, Ron Rivera hasn't set this in stone as yet. The head coach has praised Chris Paul for his development throughout early offseason workouts and gave him every chance of increased involvement with a strong training camp.
Paul was seldom seen on the rotation as a rookie despite the Commanders going through some significant complications with their protection. The former seventh-round selection came on at his own pace and seems to have benefitted from this approach based on the growth demonstrated in recent weeks.
The Tulsa product has the positional versatility Rivera loves. If he can leave a positive impression at camp, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of a core depth position at the very worst in Week 1.