Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Mitchell Tinsley, Rashaan Evans and Sam Howell
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines with the holiday weekend over and Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals on deck?
We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Labor Day weekend. For the Washington Commanders, it's now time to focus firmly on business and getting themselves ready for their Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals at a sold-out, re-energized FedEx Field.
Until then, among the stories generating discussion include Mitchell Tinsley avoiding complacency, Sam Howell's protection coming under scrutiny, Ron Rivera's precarious situation and the Commanders urged to sign a tackling machine before the 2023 campaign.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders WR Mitchell Tinsley avoiding complacency
Seeing Mitchell Tinsley flourish en route to a surprising spot on the 53-man roster was one of the summer's most heart-warming stories. Not many gave the undrafted free-agent wide receiver much hope of securing his place, but hard work and maximizing every opportunity left the Washington Commanders with no option other than to take him through.
That was just the start. The next big challenge for Tinsley is forcing his way onto the offensive rotation within a stacked wideout room - something he appears highly determined to accomplish based on his comments via USA Today Sports.
"It felt really good to know that I made the team and all my hard work had paid off, but this is just the beginning, and I’m ready to get to work. This is only the beginning, this is a step in the right direction, but I’m nowhere near, I feel, like how good I could be or where I can get to in my game. But, as of right now, my role on my team, I just want to help my team however I can."
- Mitchell Tinsley via USA Today Sports
Unless injury strikes, it seems as if Tinsley might be restricted to special teams duties as a rookie, which is absolutely fine. But don't be surprised if he exceeds expectations based on how he's gone about his business since joining the Commanders.