4 critical observations from Commanders 2023 training camp Day 10

Commanders injury concerns

One of the most important elements of training camp besides improving as a collective unit centers on avoiding the injury bug. We've seen plenty of high-profile players go down around the league even before joint practices begin, so the situation is precarious for the Washington Commanders with improvements needed in 2023.

Things started well enough for the Commanders, but the last few days have seen some concerns rise. Logan Thomas has sat out - which would be a disaster if this occurred during the regular season - with offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles' calf injury also causing the player to lose his starting gig to Chris Paul at the left guard spot as things stand.

Rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes did some work on Sunday without participating in team scrimmages. Cody Barton was back in the groove, but do-it-all wide receiver Curtis Samuel got held out after feeling some tightness according to head coach Ron Rivera.

If the Commanders want to attain postseason football within a highly competitive NFC East next season, they need everyone fit and firing on all cylinders. Erring on the side of caution with their top guys is absolutely essential at this juncture and how much preseason time they see before Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals will be a hot topic of discussion in the weeks ahead.

The Commanders find themselves in a fine-line situation next season. Therefore, taking unnecessary risks regarding player health is simply not an option.