Nick Allegretti has been the subject of more Commanders conversation than offensive linemen typically generate. A nagging calf strain that stole most of his training camp, a vital period for the presumptive starting center after playing guard most of his NFL career.
Washington’s backup plans proved faulty, with Julian Good-News struggling to provide stability and sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin needing expected time to develop.
That left the fan base up in arms, especially following Tyler Biadsaz’s
unexpected release early in the offseason, as Allgretti’s absence kept getting extended. The Commanders didn’t go out and sign an experienced backup after final cuts, nor did they trade for an interior lineman beforehand.
All those actions showed extreme faith in Allegretti, which general manager Adam Peters backed up with words after final cuts.
“Not having Nick for most of camp was something we had to work through, but we have a ton of confidence in him,” Peters said in a Monday press conference. “He has played 3,000-some odd snaps in this league, and he has played good football for us before. He went through the whole offseason, so we’re really confident.”
Allegretti worked through his rehab process, which allowed him to return to practice on Monday and again on Tuesday.
“I felt good the last two days,” Allegretti told on-site reporters, via 7NewsDC’s Scott Abraham. “I felt good the four or five days prior to getting out to practice, so just continuing to stack good days in front of each other. We’ve got one more big one tomorrow before taking a couple days off. I’m looking forward to that.”
The veteran interior offensive lineman said that time away was difficult, especially with the conservative approach taken with the rehab, but he had to trust the process.
“Missing time is not something I’m used to,” Allegretti said, via video from NOTUS reporter Martenzie Johnson. “Being cautious with it was something that I had to respect … It was frustrating at times. I think I missed more practice in this training camp than I have in my entire career combined. Trusting that process, that we need to be right for September, not August. I don’t ever plan on missing games. That obviously happens from time to time, but it would’ve been a faster timeline had it not happened in August.”
Allegretti also expressed trust in Gulbin, who remains the primary backup center and took significant reps with quarterback Jayden Daniels over the past few weeks. Washington might never have to enact a backup plan for Allegretti. Should he stay healthy, he’ll take every offensive snap of the regular season. Washington is all-in on him as a center at this point. All eyes are on him and expectations are high for a player with a demanding role in David Blough’s new offensive system.
“I understand that’s part of the deal,” Allegretti said, via video from Abraham. “When you moved on from Tyler (Biadsaz), that’s something the media was going to grab onto. I appreciate the staff giving me and Matt the trust at that position. Matt has been doing an incredible job.
“It’s a really good opportunity for him to be thrust in there, getting a ton of reps with Jayden (Daniels) at a young age. He’s doing one hell of a job. I’m just trying to help him, which also helps myself in turn. When I’m getting mental reps and then working back in and getting the physical reps – I know that center’s probably talked about a lot. I’m just trying to take care of myself, take care of Matt and everything else will take care of itself.”
