5 critical observations from Commanders 2024 training camp Day 1

There was enormous excitement in the air as the Washington Commanders participated in their first training camp practice under the new regime. Dan Quinn was excited to see what the next few weeks will bring. Players were rejuvenated following their summer break, eager to get back into the groove as preparations for the 2024 campaign gather pace.

This was a bedding-in period for players and coaches alike. Refreshing schematic demands and building back top-level conditioning are the primary objectives over the next few days. After that, the intensity will rise in shells and when the full pads go on.

The Commanders are quietly confident that they can make some noise in 2024. It's been a whirlwind offseason of widespread changes for the better. The onus is on Quinn and his coaching staff to mold this unit into their collaborative vision for the future. This should enable this new-look squad to hit the ground running in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Football is back and we couldn't be happier. With this in mind, here are five critical observations from Commanders 2024 training camp practice Day 1.

Critical observations from Commanders training camp practice Day 1

Johnny Newton's surprising return

There was a surprising development shortly before practice got underway. After he passed a physical, the Washington Commanders activated rookie defensive lineman Johnny Newton from the active/non-football injury list. Adam Peters said it wouldn't be long, but nobody was expecting the next day.

Newton was spotted taking part in drills with other defensive linemen. He was also getting some close counsel from veteran Jonathan Allen, who's keen to pass on some helpful tricks of the trade to someone who could potentially take his place long-term.

Getting Newton back so soon is a massive boost. The coaching staff will take things slowly to reduce the risk of complications. Providing there are no more hiccups moving forward, having a full camp to prepare and immerse himself in the team's concepts is going to the second-round pick's chances of immediate involvement a tremendous amount of good.