5 Commanders on the hot seat heading into the 2023 season
By Dean Jones
Logan Thomas - Commanders TE
It looked for a long time as if Logan Thomas might not be around for the 2023 season. Another injury-ravaged campaign in 2022 coupled with the promise of Eric Bieniemy bringing in his own guys meant cutting the veteran tight end with two years remaining on his deal was a realistic outcome looking at the grand scheme of things.
Instead, Thomas got a huge confidence boost from Bieniemy and the Washington Commanders. They not only kept him around, but those in power also did nothing to bolster the room during free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft for good measure.
This was surprising, especially after Armani Rogers went down with a torn Achilles on the first day of OTAs. Thomas set about repaying the team's faith with some sharp efforts during practice, but an injury early in camp represented a frustrating setback and something the Commanders took their time with based on his recent career trajectory.
Thomas looks to be a full-go in Week 1 following his back complication. But the pressure is well and truly on with Cole Turner looking like a potential breakout candidate if he gets enough involvement.
Turner's progress is unlikely to have gone unnoticed by Thomas as he watched from the sidelines. There should be plenty of targets for both tight ends within Bieniemy's expansive system, but anything less than playing a solid run of games and an increase in numbers would make it hard to keep him around.