4 players the Commanders cannot risk sneaking onto the practice squad in 2023
By Dean Jones
Curtis Hodges - Commanders TE
Not addressing the tight end position this offseason was a huge call for those in power considering the non-existent production that enveloped the unit last season. The Washington Commanders just couldn't get anything going thanks to injury, inconsistency, and poor distribution under center, which made holding firm all the more bizarre with so much at stake next time around.
Eric Bieniemy's influence obviously played a role in this decision. The play-caller clearly feels like he can bring about better fortunes for the group within his tight-end friendly scheme, which gets the football out quickly and relies on playmakers gaining yards after the catch.
This has already seen Logan Thomas and Cole Turner both come to the fore during early workouts. Less has been said about Curtis Hodges, an imposing figure that missed his entire rookie campaign through injury.
Hodges has been participating in offseason practices in the hope he can carve out a role for himself. It appears as if Thomas, Turner, and maybe even John Bates will be preferred unless he blows everyone away at camp, so much will depend on whether the Commanders take three or four tight ends onto their 53-man roster.
If the outcome is three and Hodges is the odd man out, it could be the last time anyone sees him in a Washington uniform. Although there is no NFL experience to go off, his 6-foot-8 athletic intangibles are always something teams around the league gamble on.