4 huge changes the Commanders should consider in Week 7 at NY Giants
By Dean Jones
Commanders should start Cornelius Lucas at RT
The Washington Commanders were dealt bad news shortly before their game at the Atlanta Falcons when Charles Leno Jr. was ruled out with a tragic family matter. We are all praying for the left tackle's family and it was a testament to his team-first mentality that he returned to be with his teammates on Wednesday.
Leno will likely return to blindside responsibilities in Week 7 at the New York Giants. This leaves Cornelius Lucas in limbo once again, who was exceptional when filling in last time out.
This poses a dilemma for the Commanders. Lucas has enough in his locker to warrant starting duties, but Leno is also playing relatively well through his five starts, giving up one sack and boasting a creditable 74.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.
There is a more radical way to get Lucas involved. This involves starting him at right tackle in favor of Andrew Wylie, who's come on over the last two games but remains a potential weak link in key moments.
Wylie has close ties to Eric Bieniemy from their time together on the Kansas City Chiefs, so this particular move might not be in the Commanders' train of thought. However, it's something that should be discussed at the very least given the flawless outing Lucas put together in Atlanta.
Lucas' performance should increase urgency on the two starters to upp their respective consistency if nothing else. But making a change on the right-hand side next to the ever-improving Sam Cosmi could reap some significant rewards.