5 Commanders players losing crucial ground at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Darrick Forrest - Commanders S
Anticipating surrounding Darrick Forrest's return from a long-term injury was high heading into the offseason. The veteran safety is looking to get back involved heavily and has the extra motivation of a contract year to further raise effort. However, the signs are not too promising based on how things have unfolded over training camp so far.
Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin are penciled in as the starting safety tandem. Both have the physical skills to thrive in head coach Dan Quinn's expansive schematic concepts on defense, but those in attendance also reported that Forrest has been working with the third-string unit more often than not.
This is nothing short of disastrous for the player's outlook. Forrest's got the talent - he's proven that on countless occasions during his time with the Washington Commanders. At the same time, the new regime is taking out all sentiment in their decision-making process.
If they feel like there are better alternatives, Forrest's situation becomes increasingly precarious. A huge effort is needed to get things back on track, but time is of the essence in no uncertain terms.
Cole Turner - Commanders TE
Competition is fierce in the tight end room following Logan Thomas' release with one year remaining on his deal. The Commanders added two players capable of occupying significant roles immediately. That makes it difficult for the rest, so nothing but standing out considerably will do.
Veteran free-agent signing Zach Ertz and second-round pick Ben Sinnott are locked to make the team. Head coach Dan Quinn recently praised John Bates for his blocking prowess and Armani Rogers has made a couple of highlight-reel catches when opportunities arose. This leaves former fifth-round pick Cole Turner playing catch-up in pursuit of getting another shot on the 53-man roster.
Turner was tipped by many for a breakout campaign in 2023 once Rogers went to season-ending injured reserve on the first day of OTAs. Things didn't turn out that way. The Commanders' new decision-makers weren't going to wait around on the off chance he put everything together this offseason.
Whether the Commanders take three or four tight ends onto the roster is up for debate. But things don't look great for Turner's chances with intensity growing at training camp.