Commanders News: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, Montez Sweat and Derrick Gore

Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines ahead of the team's first padded practice of training camp today?

The time has come to get more serious and physical at training camp as the first padded practice takes place today. This is a stage of preparations for players to stake a bigger claim and for Ron Rivera, it's a chance to enhance his staff's evaluations before roster plans are finalized.

Until the pads start popping, among the stories causing debate recently include the Commanders signing Derrick Gore, Montez Sweat on his pending contract extension, NFL executives' concern for Sam Howell, and Rivera's expectations when the pads begin clapping.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Commanders sign Derrick Gore

The influence of Eric Bieniemy is being felt across the Washington Commanders. This bears special significance in terms of offensive recruitment, with the likes of Andrew Wylie, Marcus Kemp, and Byron Pringle reuniting with the respected figure in a different environment throughout the offseason.

Bieniemy took the chance to add another of his former Kansas City Chiefs players on Monday. The Washington Commanders confirmed the signing of Derrick Gore, a running back who flashed in 2021 before spending last season on the New Orleans Saints practice squad.

This is an intriguing addition to a running back room that looks to have its top-three options locked up. Gore gained 256 rushing yards and two touchdowns with Kansas City during his one and only season with the franchise, but Bieniemy clearly feels he can offer something to the Commanders following his release in May.

Learning the system shouldn't be that difficult. So it'll be interesting to see how Gore fares in the coming weeks.