5 surprise inclusions on the Washington Commanders initial 53-man roster

Byron Pringle - Commanders WR

It seemed to make some sense last season when Byron Pringle rejoined his former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on the Washington Commanders. He didn’t stand out, but that could have been largely due to the misfiring offense that plagued the club all year.

Pringle is a quality veteran wide receiver who has shown the ability to make big plays when needed throughout his career. He can return kicks and in terms of profile, can take over Terry McLaurin’s spot at the X in the event of emergency.

When the Commanders traded Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Dan Quinn expressed confidence in his remaining wide receivers. But the prospect of another arrival cannot be ruled out once Adam Peters begins to examine the players available after final cuts.

Most of the press focused on Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus, both of whom are likely slotted ahead of Pringle. But veterans like the Kansas State product and Jamison Crowder may have made Washington's decision to move on from Dotson a little easier.

John Ridgeway III - Commanders DT

There were reports throughout the day that the Commanders were trying to trade third-year defensive tackle John Ridgeway III. Sometimes, those reports amount to little more than smoke and mirrors, so we may never be sure what the plan was. But as of now, he is still holding onto one of the backup defensive tackle spots he's had since Washington signed him off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad in 2022.

Ridgeway has had an up-and-down career thus far. When the Commanders selected Johnny Newton early in this year’s draft, it led to speculation that his days in D.C. might be coming to an end.

Newton’s injury may have helped Ridgeway keep his job, but Adam Peters and company likely see some potential in the interior force. He has made some good plays for Washington. He just hasn't been especially consistent and has committed the occasional bad penalty.

As recently as last week, it seemed that Ridgeway was in a battle with Phidarian Mathis for the final defensive tackle spot. The Commanders decided to keep both players, loading up on interior defenders, perhaps at the expense of an edge rusher like K.J. Henry.