Washington

Commanders

McLaurin’s sprained toe is “typically a multiple-week injury,” as Schefter points out. By the time Week 1 rolls around, McLaurin will have been 19 days removed from his injury, which puts him at the back end for the two to three-week timetable that was suggested earlier this week. If McLaurin is unable to go in Week 1, Jahan Dotson would have some high-end WR2 upside against a Cardinals defense that figures to rank near the bottom of the league.

McLaurin is dealing with a turf toe injury suffered in Monday’s preseason game against the Ravens. For an injury that can prove problematic at times, it sounds like he avoided the worst-case scenario, but he’ll need some time to be ready for the season opener against the Cardinals. It’s safe to assume McLaurin will be sidelined for the remainder of the preseason, while his status in the coming weeks will be one to monitor.

Howell took two significant sacks but otherwise looked worthy of the recent announcement that he has earned the starting quarterback role for the Commanders entering the season. Even more exciting for the Commanders was the regular aggression exhibited by new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, highlighted by a touchdown drive after taking possession with 1:34 left in the second quarter. The Commanders also converted multiple third downs in the half in addition to a fourth-and-three. It looks as if the offensive identity in Washington has taken a turn for the better entering 2023.

McLaurin came up lame after being tackled on a reception with under two minutes left to play in the second quarter of the team’s second preseason game against the Ravens. He was in visible pain on the sideline and was walking with a noticeable limp before being taken to the locker room. X-rays during the half revealed no structural damage to his toe, but he did not return to the game.

The Commanders signed Michael Badgley to push Slye after a good but not great 2022, but they have ended the competition before they have even played their second preseason game. Although the Commanders’ offense could be better under new OC Eric Bieniemy, it is not going to be attack fantasy managers are going to want to target for kicker streaming.

Thomas was limited in his return, working off to the side. Coach Ron Rivera said the team is using caution with Thomas, who has yet to play this preseason, but there’s enough concern over Thomas that they signed ex-Giants TE Kaden Smith. Thomas has 22 days to get cleared for Week 1.

Howell has finally emerged as the “winner” of a quarterback competition that felt pre-determined from the start. Rivera avoided naming him as the starter all offseason, but Howell taking 100 percent of the first-team snaps through the first two weeks of training camp was all we needed to know to see how this was going to end. The 2022 fifth-round pick has a lot on his plate heading into his first season as a starter. In addition to taking the reins of Eric Bieniemy’s offense, he’s also going to be tasked with producing enough wins to get Ron Rivera off the hot seat. Howell gets what should be an easy Week 1 home matchup against the Cardinals and could be an interesting streaming option for those who faded QB early in drafts.

Thomas has been sidelined with a calf injury for the past week, but Rivera didn’t sound too concerned when asked about the status of his veteran tight end. When asked about Thomas, Rivera said, “At this point, this is caution. He’s a little older, veteran guy, a guy that’s coming back, and we just want to be careful with him. Maybe we’re being overly cautious, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is the guy’s ready to play when we open the season.” Second-year tight end Cole Turner has been impressing during Thomas’ absence, but it doesn’t sound like this injury is anything to be too concerned about.

Smith spent 2022 out of the league after getting waived last offseason. The ex-Giants tight end gives Washington veteran depth with 22 starts in three seasons. Smith’s career peaked in 2018, when he started over TE Evan Engram under Giants HC Pat Shurmur. Adding Smith is a bad sign for TE Logan Thomas (calf), who missed Washington’s preseason opener.

The Washington offensive line struggled to protect Howell, taking two penalties and allowing a sack on the first two drives. Howell rebounded on the third series, converting a fourth down and hitting WR Jahan Dotson for a 26-yard touchdown. This was a good look at Howell’s upside in Washington’s offense, with the second-year quarterback also adding an eight-yard run before exiting. Jacoby Brissett completed 6-of-10 passes for 75 yards and an interception playing behind Howell.