4 Commanders players that must turn heads at training camp in 2023
By Dean Jones
Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DT
It's no secret that the Washington Commanders have an embarrassment of riches on their defensive front. Chase Young is coming back to health and the depth was given another shot in the arm this offseason, which could see the unit emerge as the NFL's most prolific if everyone stays clear of serious injury.
Another player making his triumphant return that mustn't be overlooked is Phidarian Mathis. The formidable defensive tackle lasted just three snaps during his NFL debut before succumbing to an injury that ruled him out for the entire campaign - a body blow for someone that was set to make an instant impact.
Fortunately for the Commanders, they had enough to cope. Mathis has made a full return to health and is working hard to reimpose himself, so it'll be interesting to see how the one-time Alabama star gets on at training camp after missing so much football.
Washington has their starting defensive tackle tandem locked up in Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. This gives them the luxury of letting Mathis acclimatize at his own pace to keep any further complications to a minimum on the health front.
If Mathis enjoys a strong camp, then expect the 2022 second-round selection to feature as a key rotational piece heavily. And make no mistake, he'll be eager to make up for some lost time.