Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as the team gets set for a light practice session before breaking for the summer today?
After discussions with Eric Bieniemy and Jack Del Rio, head coach Ron Rivera decided to cancel the final OTA practice of the preparation period, instead opting for a light walk-through before players embark on their summer break. The coaching staff seems happy enough with how things have unfolded throughout early workouts, so the next time we'll see a high-tempo session is when the Washington Commanders congregate for training camp.
Until then, the news cycle keeps churning. The stories generating waves recently include the Pittsburgh Steelers taking an interest in Chase Young, Washington announcing its camp schedule, Saahdiq Charles' renewed focus, and Chase Roullier taking his first official visit since being released.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Former Commanders C Chase Roullier gains interest
Once the Washington Commanders signed Nick Gates in free agency and drafted Ricky Stromberg in the third round, it seemed almost inevitable that Chase Roullier's time with the franchise would end. This came a few weeks ago when those in power cut the experienced center with a post-June 1 designation.
Roullier remains talented, but injuries completely derailed his once-promising career over the last two seasons. Considering what's at stake for Ron Rivera and the Commanders in 2023, there is no room for passengers.
According to Matt Lombardo of Heavy, Roullier visited the Arizona Cardinals on Monday for a workout. The NFC West team is looking for a veteran center after Rodney Hudson's retirement, so this move makes a ton of sense.
Nothing much is expected of the Cardinals next season, so whether Roullier wants to wait around for an organization with a better chance of contending remains to be seen.
Commanders reveal training camp schedule
With early workouts and mandatory minicamp in the rearview mirror, the Washington Commanders took this opportunity to finally release their long-awaited schedule for 2023 training camp. This could be the first major event under new ownership if the Josh Harris group gets their $6.05 billion franchise purchase approved before July 27.
Taking place once again at the OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park, the team is opening up 12 practices to the public, including the eagerly-anticipated Back Together Saturday around the league and a Military Appreciation Day. And according to the team's website, Washington's camp will have a new look this year.
"Commanders Training Camp will have a new look this season with a 2,000-seat bleacher viewing area constructed on the practice fields to accommodate fans from across the region. Fans also are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs to set up adjacent to the practice fields as in years past."Commanders PR team
The Commanders will also participate in joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens on August 15 and 16 away from the team's football operations center. This will be a fantastic measuring stick with only a few short weeks until their Week 1 encounter against the Arizona Cardinals rolls around.
Here are the full training camp dates in 2023:
- July 27: 9 a.m. ET
- July 28: 9 a.m. ET
- July 29: 9 a.m. ET, NFL Back Together Saturday
- Aug. 1: 9 a.m. ET
- Aug. 2: 9 a.m. ET
- Aug. 3: 9 a.m. ET
- Aug. 8: 9 a.m. ET, Washington Salute Military Appreciation Day
- Aug. 9: 9 a.m. ET, Kids Day
- Aug. 13: 9 a.m. ET
- Aug. 14: 9 a.m. ET
- Aug. 18: 9 a.m. ET
- Aug. 19: 9 a.m. ET
Fans can book their tickets for specific days free of charge here.
Health is key for Commanders OL Saahdiq Charles
Even though most fans were ready to write off Saahdiq Charles' starting chances with the Washington Commanders heading into the campaign, that is not an opinion shared by those in power. Ron Rivera and his staff are giving the interior offensive lineman one final chance to provide his worth, with the former fourth-round selection occupying the No. 1 left guard position throughout early offseason workouts.
Although second-year-pro Chris Paul is breathing down his neck, this is probably the best-case scenario for Charles heading into Washington's training camp. If he does enough to start and provides stability, then he can expect a pretty nice contract once his current deal expires next spring.
When discussing Charles recently, head coach Ron Rivera stated via Sports IIllusrated that health is the key. If the one-time LSU star can stay clear of the nagging injuries that have blighted his career so far, Washington might just have a player on their hands.
"We always know Saahdiq had the skillset to do it. He's gotta stay healthy. That's probably the biggest thing right now for him. I mean that always seemed to be the issue. If you go back and look at the times he's played, um, something has come up whether it's been the calf, it's been the ankle, the shoulder. You just hope that he stays healthy because he has the skillset."Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated
This represents a last-chance saloon scenario for Charles. Any further injury problems will likely see the Commanders go in a completely different direction in 2024.
Steelers have interest in Commanders DE Chase Young
Chase Young remains at the center of trade speculation despite nothing concrete emerging. It's easy to see why the Washington Commanders would consider moving the pass-rusher after everything that's unfolded over the last two years, even if those in power still believe in the player despite some significant injury complications.
At this stage, it would probably take an astronomical offer for the Commanders to even consider a trade. Young is back at practice and looking sharp, so one couldn't dismiss a true bounce-back campaign for the No. 2 overall selection in 2020.
While that would cause some substantial complications with Montez Sweat also looking for a new deal, it would help endlessly in the short term. Something head coach Ron Rivera needs with Josh Harris' ownership group watching intently.
According to Jeff Hartman from Behind the Steel Curtain on SB Nation citing sources, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in striking a deal for Young. Head coach Mike Tomlin is known to like the defensive end and pairing him with T.J. Watt could be a devastating tandem.
"Sources inside the Steelers organization made it known the team has a strong interest in acquiring Washington Commanders, and former 1st Round draft pick, Chase Young. As the source stated, they’d have to get very creative to get Young and maneuver the cap hits so the team can still have enough room to head into the season. Will a deal get done for Chase Young? A lot still has to happen, but it isn’t out of the realm of possibility."Jeff Hartman, SB Nation
Again, this is nothing more than speculation at this juncture. The Commanders are happy to have Young back and looking at the Steelers' history, they aren't going to overpay in terms of draft compensation for a player with such a chequered injury history.