Washington Commanders Roster Moves
The Washington Commanders announced several roster moves as they returned to practice for the first time since the bye week. Left guard Saahdiq Charles has been on injured reserve since suffering a calf injury in Week 7 vs the New York Giants. He was replaced by Chris Paul for the last six games. Washington opened his 21-day practice window, and Charles will be eligible to play in Sunday’s game vs the Los Angeles Rams if he is activated from IR.
The Washington Commanders also placed starting linebacker Jamin Davis on injured reserve. It was reported on Monday that he was having surgery for a shoulder injury he suffered vs the Dolphins, and Ron Rivera confirmed the news when he spoke to the media. Davis will be entering the final year of his rookie contract with a new ownership group and likely GM/HC that will need to decide if they want to exercise his 5th-year option. Davis had a very slow start adjusting to the NFL, but has improved over the last two years. The new regime will need to decide if he is worth another year with a big raise.
The Washington Commanders elevated undrafted free agent rookie defensive end Joshua Pryor from the practice squad for the last three games. In order to have him available for depth this week, they needed to sign him to the 53-man roster. Starter James Smith-Williams is still dealing with a hamstring injury, and didn’t practice today. Pryor has been used in special teams during the last three games, and that will continue to be his role unless another injury hits the defensive line.
The Washington Commanders also made a move at cornerback. They were awarded CB Kyu Blu Kelly off of waivers from the Green Bay Packers. The Rams and Texans also put claims in, but Washington is higher on the waiver priority list due to their record. Kelly(6′, 193lbs) was picked in the 5th round by the Baltimore Ravens, but he was released before the season started. He was claimed by the Seattle Seahawks and was with them until he was released in early November. Kelly’s next stop was with the Packers, and now he joins the Commanders roster.
Washington released CB Danny Johnson to make room for Kelly, and Johnson will likely be signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers. He was getting playing time due to a mid-season benching of first round rookie Emmanuel Forbes. Johnson also got more time after Forbes injured his elbow and missed the last two games. The rookie was back at practice with a brace on, but was a full participant today.
