5 Commanders players who could get demoted during 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Cornelius Lucas - Commanders OT
- Current status: LT No. 1
Adam Peters is taking a calculated risk with the offensive tackle spots. Andrew Wylie is cemented on the right-hand side despite an inconsistent first season with the Washington Commanders. The new general manager also chose to release veteran blindside protector Charles Leno Jr. without doing much to replace him.
Cornelius Lucas is tabbed as the starting left tackle currently. The veteran is dependable as a swing option but might not be able to handle No. 1 responsibilities. He's determined to maximize this chance, but a rousing effort is needed over Washington's camp to alleviate some grave concerns.
The Commanders will also provide third-round selection Brandon Coleman with reps along the starting unit. Many analysts believe he'll be better suited to the interior, but the coaching staff is confident he's got the athleticism and technical scope for growth to be a productive edge presence.
Lucas is tentatively in the driver's seat to begin camp. If Coleman comes on quicker than anticipated, the Commanders could decide to throw the rookie into the fire and demote the former Kansas State star to his typical backup slot in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB
- Current status: Left CB No. 1
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is under more pressure than most in 2024. The slender cornerback was thrown to the wolves last season in a desperate final attempt from Ron Rivera to improve the secondary. He wasn't ready for significant responsibilities and suffered untold hardship.
That's an indictment of the previous coaches more than anything else. But it does nothing to detract from the need to raise performance levels under more accomplished schematic concepts this time around.
Forbes should benefit greatly from Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s reputation for developing defensive backs. He's slotted as the starting left-sided cornerback currently according to ESPN. That won't be the case for long if he fails to meet raised targets when camp commences.
The Commanders got themselves a contingency plan in the form of free-agent signing Michael Davis. He's also coming off a down year but was dependable before that. If those in power aren't 100 percent convinced by Forbes' progression, a situation could emerge where he's given rotational duties rather than being tasked with starting involvement.
Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. Forbes has some likable traits. Unlocking them is vital to avoid more concerns about his long-term future.