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‘I belong here’: Chris Paul determined to prove himself as starting LG
Through two weeks, Washington’s offensive line allowed the Green Bay Packers 33 pressures, six sacks and 23 quarterback hits on Jayden Daniels. Those statistics, combined with the loss of tight
end John Bates to a groin injury, pushed the Commanders to shake up the offensive line for Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders to ensure a cleaner pocket.
Left guard Chris Paul got the news he won the competition and would be starting at left guard in Washington’s Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders “earlier to mid-week.” Although the 2022 seventh-round draft pick hadn’t started a game since Week 15 of the 2023 season, he remained confident in his skills and knew his time would come with continued work.
Paul contributed immensely to the offensive line’s success against the Raiders, which in turn led Washington to a 41-24 victory. He was the second-highest graded offensive linemen for Washington, finishing with an overall PFF grade of 86.0 behind All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil (88.0). Over the course of 26 pass-blocking snaps, he didn’t allow a single sack, pressure, quarterback hit, or hurry.
Paul played every snap in the Commanders’ eventual 34-27 loss to the Falcons…with two pressures and two sacks allowed on Mariota for an overall grade of 73.2. As long as Paul continues to perform, he will continue to win the left guard position competition and is poised to make the start at SoFi Stadium for the team’s ensuing matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Riggo’s Rag
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is stepping up when the Commanders needed him most
The Commanders entered the preseason with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler set to be a formidable 1-2 punch in the offensive backfield. Those plans quickly changed when the former was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick, while the latter suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.
Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was the darling of the Commanders’ offseason, was expected to step into the RB1 role as a result. Instead, it’s been a committee featuring him, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
The former Kentucky star had his best performance of the season to date in Week 4, accumulating 59 rushing yards on seven carries. This was highlighted by a 48-yard scamper, showcasing the big-play ability he brings to the offense.
Rodriguez had become a forgotten man in Washington following Croskey-Merritt’s emergence and found himself squarely on the roster bubble. Had it not been for the Robinson trade, he may very well have been the odd man out. But he turned heads during a strong preseason, leading the team with 118 rushing yards on only 17 carries. More importantly, this momentum has carried over into the regular season.
The more opportunities Rodriguez gets, the more he should continue to solidify his role. He’s quickly gone from an afterthought to a player Washington can’t afford to leave out of the offensive game plan.
A to Z Sports
Commanders were their own worst enemy against the Falcons
Penalties are killing the Commanders
The easiest way to get behind the sticks and be stuck in third and long situations is with penalties, and the Commanders are struggling to play clean football.
The Commanders had six penalties for 50 yards on Sunday, bringing the season total to 30 flags for 223 yards. They have to clean this up on both sides of the ball, and you know it drives Quinn crazy.
The Commanders can’t keep giving up big plays
Another factor Quinn pointed out was big plays, and the Falcons’ offense had its get-right game against the Commanders’ defense. The Falcons had 10 plays that went for 15+ yards, while the Commanders only had six on offense, and two came in the last two drives in the fourth quarter. This isn’t the first game with big plays being an issue. It’s been a real problem since the Green Bay Packers exposed how to attack the Commanders’ defense.
The defense has allowed 29 total plays of 15+ in the last three games. That’s a trend that will quickly derail any hopes and goals this season, and it needs to be addressed.
Heavy.com
Keys for the Commanders on Sunday
For Washington to pull off the upset, several keys stand out. First, the running game must set the tone. By leaning on their top tier rushing attack, the Commanders can keep the ball away from the Chargers‘ offense and help control the clock. That would also ease the burden on their passing game and create play-action opportunities.
Second, the defense must find answers against the Chargers‘ passing attack. Limiting chunk plays and forcing Los Angeles into longer drives will give Washington a chance to dictate tempo. Generating sacks and turnovers will also be critical, as the Commanders have struggled in recent weeks to flip the field with defensive plays.
Finally, Washington needs to finish drives in the red zone. The Chargers‘ defense allows fewer than 18 points per game, and field goals will not be enough. Converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The Commanders enter SoFi Stadium with a chance to rewrite their recent history against the Chargers. Breaking a three-game road losing streak in Los Angeles and ending a two-game skid against the franchise would mark a significant early-season statement. With their record sitting at 2-2, this matchup provides an opportunity to climb above .500 and reassert themselves in the NFC race.
Washington Post (paywall)
Jayden Daniels cleared to return for Sunday’s game against Chargers
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been medically cleared and fully returned to practice Wednesday.
Barring a setback, the announcement puts Daniels on track to return from a knee sprain against the Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) in his home state of California on Sunday.
“He’ll get all the reps at the practice, so we’ll be back at full speed,” Coach Dan Quinn said before Wednesday’s workout. “The execution, the timing, all of that — that’s really what I’m looking for. But he’s definitely champing at the bit to get going.”
The Athletic (paywall)
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels medically cleared, on track to play vs. Chargers
Washington said from the outset that he would be cautious with his return to ensure he didn’t injure his knee further. He was held out of two practices and limited thereafter, while wearing a brace. He wore a brace during Wednesday’s practice, but wouldn’t confirm if he would do so on Sunday.
“I guess we’ll see on Sunday,” Daniels said with a smile, reiterating he’s never worn one in a game before. “I’m not the biggest fan of it, but if that’s what I have to wear, I’ll do anything possible.”
Commanders.com
Practice notes | Jayden Daniels cleared by doctors, will be full go in practice this week
Daniels might be sporting some new hardware if he does make his return against the Chargers. He was spotted wearing a brace during Wednesday’s practice, although he admitted he’s “not the biggest fan” of it. He’ll wear it if he needs it, though.
“If that’s what I have to wear, then I’ll do anything possible, but we’ll see on Sunday,” he said.
Sunday’s game could carry some special meaning for Daniels. It would be his first game as a professional player in the Los Angeles area where he spent his childhood, and he plans to have a lot of friends and family attend the game. “It would mean everything,” he said, to be able to play an NFL game in his hometown.
As for whether that will actually happen, well…
“I guess we’ll have to see on Sunday,” Daniels said with a smile.
ESPN
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels plans to play after being cleared
In Washington’s first two games this season, he completed 43 of 72 passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns.
Daniels has run 18 times for 85 yards.
“The only thing worse than missing games is not taking lessons,” Quinn said. “[On] scrambles, when do I get down? When do I go out of bounds? Jayden is still growing. That’s the fun and exciting part. He’s not anywhere near the top of what he’s going to be, so that lights me up.”
Daniels said he’ll continue to run, though he continues to find that balance between knowing when to protect himself and when to keep going forward.
“Obviously you want to be able to be available for the rest of the games,” he said, “but you’ve got to be smart and that’s kind of what we talked about, just living to see another down. But just know that the game is on the line. I’m going to do whatever it takes.”
Riggo’s Rag
5 surprise Commanders standouts nobody saw coming through four games
Dorance Armstrong – Commanders DE
The jury was still out on Dorance Armstrong heading into his second season with the Commanders. Dan Quinn wasted no time reuniting with the defensive end once he hit the free agent market in 2024. Still, his transition from rotational specialist to prominent starter was always going to be difficult.
There were some decent moments from Armstrong last season, but the consistency just wasn’t there. His explosiveness as an edge threat occasionally caught the eye, but finishing off plays proved challenging. After another offseason to hone his craft, things look much more promising now.
Armstrong’s been a genuine bright spot for the Commanders at the quarter pole. The former Kansas prospect has 16 pressures through four games. He’s accumulated three sacks, 12 hurries, and one quarterback hit. Considering the injuries Washington’s defensive end room has suffered during the campaign so far, this was sorely needed.
Unless someone steps up, Armstrong can expect some extra attention coming his way from opposing protection schemes. Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne command respect in the middle, but until someone else steps up opposite, offensive lines will key in on him as the primary danger.
Podcasts & videos
COMMANDERS SQUAD | Jayden Daniels RETURNS | Commanders vs Chargers Week 5 Preview
Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers | Week 5 Game Preview
PFF
Pro Football Focus
NFL offensive line rankings ahead of Week 5
3. Philadelphia Eagles (Down 2)
Projected Week 5 starters:
- LT Jordan Mailata
- LG Landon Dickerson
- C Cam Jurgens
- RG Tyler Steen
- RT Lane Johnson
After logging a team-best 79.0 PFF run-blocking grade across 43 snaps in Week 4 against the Buccaneers, Lane Johnson departed the contest with a shoulder injury. Fred Johnson took over for the veteran at right tackle.
The Eagles’ offensive line has struggled to live up to expectations in 2025, even though the unit remains in the top three. Philadelphia’s front-five has surrendered 40 pressures — including four sacks — on 130 pass plays. The resulting 82.3 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating ties for 24th in the league.
Best player: Jordan Mailata
Mailata went without surrendering any pressure in the Eagles’ win over Tampa Bay. His 90.5 PFF pass-blocking grade led all offensive linemen in Week 4.
12. Washington Commanders (Down 1)
Projected Week 5 starters:
- LT Laremy Tunsil
- LG Chris Paul
- C Tyler Biadasz
- RG Andrew Wylie
- RT Josh Conerly Jr.
Washington’s pass protection held steady against the Falcons, giving up six pressures — one of which was a sack — on 30 pass plays. The unit’s 88.3 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating ranked ninth in the NFL.
Left guard Chris Paul is helping take Washington’s run game to new heights this season. He has earned a positive grade on 20% of his run snaps, which ranks seventh among all guards.
Best player: Laremy Tunsil
Tunsil’s 3.8% pressure rate allowed ranks fifth among left tackles through four weeks.
19. Los Angeles Chargers (Down 14)
Projected Week 5 starters:
- LT Austin Deculus
- LG Zion Johnson
- C Bradley Bozeman
- RG Jamaree Salyer
- RT Trey Pipkins III
Left tackle Joe Alt suffered a left ankle sprain in the Chargers’ Week 4 loss to the Giants and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Austin Deculus took over and earned a 37.2 PFF overall grade — the lowest mark among the team’s linemen.
The unit felt Alt’s absence, letting up 19 pressures — including one sack — on 44 pass plays against the Giants. Los Angeles’ 77.3 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating ranked only 25th this week.
Best player: Zion Johnson
Johnson has allowed pressure on 3.3% of pass plays this season, which is by far the best rate of his career.
21. Dallas Cowboys (Up 2)
Projected Week 5 starters:
- LT Tyler Guyton
- LG Tyler Smith
- C Brock Hoffman
- RG Tyler Booker
- RT Terence Steele
Center Brock Hoffman, playing in place of the injured Cooper Beebe, allowed pressure on 11.9% of pass plays in Week 4, which was the worst rate among centers.
Tyler Booker has been dominant as a run blocker this season, earning a positive grade on 21.1% of run plays — the fourth-best rate among all guards.
Best player: Tyler Smith
Similar to his rookie counterpart, Smith has stood out on run plays by earning a positive grade on 20.4% of plays, which is the sixth-best rate among guards.
24. New York Giants (Up 4)
Projected Week 5 starters:
With a rookie quarterback making his NFL debut, the Giants’ offensive line needed to be at its best — but that wasn’t exactly the case. Although the unit surrendered only six pressures on 30 pass plays, four of those turned into sacks on Jaxson Dart.
Jon Runyan had an outstanding game at left guard. The former Green Bay Packers player did not allow a single pressure and earned an 87.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, which ranked third among all guards this week.
Best player: Andrew Thomas
Thomas played every snap in a game for the first time this season and earned an 86.0 PFF pass-blocking grade. He did not allow any pressure.
NFC East links
Big Blue View
Trade targets for the Malik Nabers-less Giants at wide receiver
Trade targets…are…complex to acquire, and the Giants are already down a 2026 third-round selection. The injury to Tyreek Hill may force other teams to be active in the wide receiver trade market as well.
New York isn’t exactly in a position to trade future assets away out of desperation, especially with the receiver market inflation caused by the Denver Broncos’ trade of DeVaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints (2026 fourth-round and 2027 seventh-round picks). I also don’t believe Montrell Washington is currently on a practice squad, so he could be a player to bring back into the building. With that in mind, here are three possible trade candidates for the Giants to explore:
Stefon Diggs, Patriots
Head coach Brian Daboll knows Diggs well from their time together in Buffalo, which means Diggs is familiar with the offense. Daboll’s offense is complex to understand, especially without an install period in the middle of the season, so familiarity would lower hurdles. Diggs turns 32 years old in November.
Jakobi Meyers, Raiders
Meyers’ name has been heavily linked to the Giants because Meyers asked to be traded at the start of the season. Meyers has played more than 94% of snaps in each game for the Raiders, and he is currently commanding a 29% target share. He’s caught 21 of 32 targets (65.6%) for 258 yards. He primarily aligns in the slot, with a 64.2% slot rate, but he’s far from just a niche slot receiver.
Meyers is entering the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract with the Raiders. He’s played in complicated offenses before with the New England Patriots. New York could look to possibly resign him — depending on that bag — or could earn a compensatory selection if he departs and the Giants are inactive in free agency next season.
Rashid Shaheed, Saints
Shaheed had a breakout season in 2023 and was on his way to continue that in 2024 before he tore his meniscus. He caught 20 of 40 passes for 349 yards with three scores last year in just six games. The 27-year-old is a deep threat speedster who has flashed more than just that skill set. He’s caught 18 of 25 passes for 174 yards and a score from Spencer Rattler in 2025.
Shaheed has secured a 9.7 yards per catch rate with a 14.2 aDOT, hovering around a 70% snap share in each game this season. The Saints may look to recoup middle-round picks after the Vele trade, and Shaheed is way more affordable than the Diggs, as mentioned above, and even Meyers. Shaheed is entering the final year of his rookie deal with a base salary of $4.2 million.
Blogging the Boys
Cowboys injuries: Turpin, Guyton, many others miss first practice of the week
After a late-night shootout that resulted in an anticlimactic tie, the Dallas Cowboys are hoping to get a win as they travel on the road to face the New York Jets and hopefully draw to .500. For Dallas, it appears that help is on the way, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Caelen Carson and Jonathan Mingo returned to practice after sustaining respective knee injuries earlier in the offseason. The team has opened their 21-day practice window, but they have a way to go before returning to full team activities.
Malik Hooker (toe) did not practice today, and the injury he sustained could sideline him for some time. Tyler Guyton did not practice either; he is in the league’s concussion protocol. Kavontae Turpin did not practice today with a foot injury that occurred during last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers. He, too, could miss some time. Miles Sanders (knee/ankle) also did not practice today along with Tyler Booker who sat out with an ankle injury. Tyler Smith also sat out with a knee issue, but it is unclear how serious that is right now.
Bleeding Green Nation
Eagles open Nakobe Dean’s practice window
Dean is returning to practice for the first time since suffering a torn patellar tendon on January 13. He missed all of training camp and the Eagles’ first four regular season games while on the physically unable to perform list (PUP).
The Eagles now have 21 days to either 1) activate Dean to the roster or 2) shut him down for the season. The former option is expected to come to fruition, though it’s not yet clear when he’ll be ready to play. It could be as soon as this weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Dean’s role moving forward is also unclear. He was a very good starting off-ball linebacker for the Eagles last year. But now the Birds have Jihaad Campbell next to Zack Baun and the rookie first-round pick has shined thus far. Vic Fangio has shut down the idea of moving Campbell to edge rusher to allow Dean to play next to Baun.
So, it seems like Dean will be a backup until further notice? Tough spot for him to be in as he’s playing out the final year of his rookie contract. We’ll just have to wait and see how this situation shakes out.
Bleeding Green Nation
Quinyon Mitchell wins first career Player of the Week award
Mitchell was excellent in the Eagles’ Week 4 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as outlined in more detail via BGN’s film breakdown from Jonny Page.
Some impressive numbers via the NFL:
Quinyon Mitchell allowed just 2 receptions for 6 yards on 6 targets across 22 matchups against Emeka Egbuka, with all six targets coming in tight windows. Those 6 tight window targets are tied for the most in any WR-CB matchup in a game since 2018. The Buccaneers lost -5.7 EPA when targeting Egbuka against Mitchell in coverage. In contrast, Egbuka caught 2 of 4 targets against other defenders for 95 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell was equally effective in his other coverage assignments, allowing zero receptions on three targets, including another tight window target.
Mitchell had a career-high five passed defensed and allowed two receptions for six yards on nine targets in the Eagles’ 31-25 win over Tampa Bay. Per Next Gen Stats, he allowed a passer rating of 39.6 when targeted in Week 4, the lowest mark this season among any defender targeted nine-or-more times in a single game.
Upcoming opponent
Bolts from the Blue
Chargers vs. Commanders By The Numbers
Luckily, the Chargers are hosting the Commanders this week who currently have the 27th-ranked pass defense, allowing nearly 250 through the air per game. If the Chargers offensive line can hold up without left tackle Joe Alt, then this may be another Herbert hero game in the making.
On the flip-side of things, the Commanders will bring the second-ranked rushing attack to SoFi Stadium this Sunday. With quarterback Jayden Daniels likely to return this week for Washington, that facet of their offense will only get better.
Bolt from the Blue
Chargers make a pair of roster transactions, add two former Washington Commanders offensive lineman
On Wednesday afternoon, the Chargers announced a pair of roster transactions regarding offensive linemen.
First, the Chargers signed offensive tackle Foster Sarell to the active roster off the practice squad. Sarell has spent several years with the Chargers and most recently spent the 2025 offseason with the Commanders before re-signing with the Bolts before the regular season began.
To fill Sarell’s spot on the practice squad, the Chargers signed veteran offensive lineman Bobby Hart.
Hart played collegiately at Florida State before being selected by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. He has started 67-of-98 career games with the Giants, Bengals, Titans, and Bills.
During Wednesday’s practice, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper reported that the starting offensive line during the team’s open practice portion was (from left to right): Jamaree Salyer, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Foster Sarell, and Trey Pipkins.
Salyer had experience at left tackle and it looks like the Chargers are attempting to lean on that while Alt is out. Sarell has not had much success at tackle and it looks like they believe he could find a home easier at guard.
NFL league links
Articles
ESPN
Niners say Purdy, Pearsall, Jennings all out against Rams
On Wednesday, the Niners ruled out quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and receivers Jauan Jennings (ribs, ankle), Ricky Pearsall (right knee) and Jordan Watkins (calf).
Those updates are in addition to a list of players already missing that includes tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and wideout Brandon Aiyuk (knee).
With Purdy out, Mac Jones is set to make his third start in the first five games. He led the Niners to wins in Weeks 2 and 3 against the Saints and Cardinals, respectively, but battled a sprained knee coming out of the Arizona win. Jones is back to full strength this week, not appearing on the injury report.
Discussion topics
NFL.com
2025 NFL trade deadline: Biggest need for all 32 teams entering Week 5
Philadelphia Eagles
4-0
BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback
Ninth-year veteran Adoree’ Jackson struggled before he missed Week 4 with an injury. Jakorian Bennett is on injured reserve. Kelee Ringo had a roller-coaster first start of the season, missing three tackles against the Buccaneers. Adding a veteran corner to stabilize the group and ensure Cooper DeJean sticks as a Swiss Army knife would be beneficial. Philly could also add more pass-rush help following the latest round of injuries. I have little doubt that GM Howie Roseman will make some sort of move.
Rank
Washington Commanders
2-2
BIGGEST NEED: Secondary
No one in the Commanders’ secondary has played well, as they’ve been scorched repeatedly through the first month, allowing the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL (even with the Russell Wilson Week 1 reprieve). Marshon Lattimore has been wicked bad to start the season. Even if some of the penalties have been of the ticky-tack variety, he’s been picked on, giving up three plays of 15 or more yards in four games. The veteran has particularly struggled with pre-snap motion in man coverage, which teams will continue to exploit.
Dallas Cowboys
1-2-1
BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush
I’m not even going to make the joke about what led to this need. The Cowboys have five total sacks, led by James Houston’s two. The lack of a consistent pass rush has left the back end exposed: Dallas is allowing 297.3 passing yards per game, 32nd in the NFL. And that’s part of how the league’s fifth-best scoring offense (28.5 points per game) can also have a negative point differential (-18).
New York Giants
1-3
BIGGEST NEED: Cap space
Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll face a catch-22: They need to show promise to keep their jobs, but building for a future around rookie QB Jaxson Dart is also a must. The dead money from Daniel Jones’ contract mistake still lingers. The Giants are dead last in cap space in 2025, meaning there won’t be much to roll over next year, when they are already not in line for a ton of maneuverability. Kayvon Thibodeaux is a name to watch as the deadline nears. It’d be tough to dilute the strength of the team, but the pass rusher is set to cost $14.8 million against the cap next season on his fifth-year rookie option. If Big Blue can’t budget to keep the 2022 first-rounder, they should think about moving him now, when his value is at its peak, given that the acquiring team would have an additional year of control after 2025.
