The Commanders chose to keep seven receivers on their initial 53-man roster. That’s a bit higher than the normal five or six.
Washington was among five teams to keep seven receivers on its initial 53-man roster, with every organization having slightly different reasons for retaining that number.
Sometimes its a placeholder until other moves can be made to even things out. The Commanders have held at seven to this point, for a few reasons.
They’ve got punt returner Jaylin Lane in the position group.
Kick returner Luke McCaffrey’s there, too. They also have deserving veterans in Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown who probably won’t take a practice squad spot (and could find work elsewhere).
Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs and rookie third-round pick Antonio Williams are immovable objects on the roster and will be on-field mainstays during this season.
That’s how you get to seven. McCaffrey was someone thought to be on the bubble, but I think there’s a decent chance he doesn’t make it through waivers. As a returner, capable slot receiver and fairly recent Day 2 draft pick, it’s highly possible someone puts in a claim.
If that’s not worth the risk, then you’re sitting at seven. The Commanders are thin at other spots – cornerback comes to mind, as does running back – but there are good players at those positions who are worthy of a game-day elevation.
New practice squad signing Terell Smith could help in the cornerbacks room and on special teams. Even if Robert Henry Jr. needs more development, Craig Reynolds has experience to step up and help the running backs.
That allows the Commanders to continue with relative bloat at one spot. On game day, you’ll probably have an inactive receiver, likely Brown or Burks considering the special teams value with McCaffrey and Lane.
The primary receiver rotations won’t change. As previously mentioned, it’s fair for McLaurin, Diggs and Williams to see the most action. Brown could be a stretch-the-field option if he’s active while Burks could be a big-bodied target, depending on the best possible matchups.
Those guys can provide injury protection should something go wrong in-game. They can provide Diggs some relief should his snap counts be relatively down, as they were last season in New England.
Layne has improved as a receiver and has serious speed. McCaffrey can help as a taller slot, as he has previously proven. The Commanders have options, especially with tight-end usage expected to be high. Chig Okonkwo will also play off the line, so the Commanders have tons of receiver options.
Will they keep seven all season? That seems unlikely, especially if another position group gets beset by short-term injuries. The player they move in the situation could be based on performance and need, as they continue to mold the roster to best serve all position groups.
