5 critical observations from Commanders 2024 training camp Day 9
By Dean Jones
Commanders DL dynamic
Adam Peters isn't standing still in pursuit of molding his roster into one capable of becoming a force in 2024. It's an ongoing assessment with the dynamic changing all the time. The Washington Commanders are in good hands at long last, so there should be a level of trust attached to any transaction until proven otherwise.
Another example of this came before Day 9 of training camp. The Commanders confirmed the signing of defensive lineman Taylor Stallworth, who impressed during a tryout last week. To make room for the player, Washington released cornerback Christian Holmes - the latest draft pick made by previous head coach Ron Rivera who wasn't up to the required standard.
Dan Quinn discussed the reasons behind Stallworth's arrival during his media availability before practice. The head coach outlined Johnny Newton's ongoing route back to full health coupled with the need to provide veterans with some extra reps off as something that tipped the scales based on comments via the team's website.
"Yeah, the terms become more popular as we hear, like load management and stuff. And certainly, for somebody coming off an injury, you're trying to find the right levers to make sure, what's enough? How much to push, when to pull back. Because there's certainly some days even when you may not see [Johnny Newton], he is doing extra field work to keep strength, keep conditioning to go to that. So yes, definitely a part of that interior. Just thinking long term with some of the guys. And [DT] Jon as well, Allen, that we limit him some as we're going through it. Made sense to do that."
- Dan Quinn via Commanders.com
Whether Stallworth is a legitimate contender to make the 53-man roster is debatable. He's playing catch-up and must work his way up the ranks quickly to force his way into consideration. Until then, he'll be a nice stopgap option that will allow those higher up the food chain to rest and recover more frequently.
What this means for the futures of John Ridgeway III and Phidarian Mathis is anyone's guess. But make no mistake, every place on the defensive line depth chart will be earned with no sentimental attachment to Peters' roster construction.