Commanders News: Sam Howell, roster cuts, Ron Rivera and Week 1
By Dean Jones
Commanders make first roster cuts
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders and others around the league are in the process of making their initial 53-man rosters official. Options will get trimmed from 90 to 53 by today's 4 p.m. deadline, which is swiftly followed by potential waiver wire claims depending on what opportunities present themselves.
The Commanders began their cut process on Monday following fierce conversations between Ron Rivera and his staff. Washington confirmed that the following 12 players were given bad news:
- WR Zion Bowens
- LB Milo Eifler
- CB DaMarcus Fields
- LB Ferrod Gardner
- S Joshua Kalu
- WR Marcus Kemp
- DT Isaiah Mack
- DT Anthony Montalvo
- OL Aaron Montiero
- RB Jaret Patterson
- DE Joshua Pryor
- CB DJ Stirgus
There weren't many surprises here, although fan favorite Jaret Patterson's demise has some disappointment attached. However, it was the decision to place rookie offensive lineman Braeden Daniels on season-ending injured/reserve that raised the most eyebrows.
Daniels struggled to adjust throughout his opening few months with the Commanders. He clearly wasn't ready for any significant responsibilities, but the team revealed he suffered a torn rotator cuff during the preseason and will now miss the entire campaign.
This was met with skepticism by some sections of the fanbase. But it did seem like a realistic option surrounding an early Day 3 selection that clearly isn't up to the required standard currently.