The Daily Slop – 24 July 2026
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
Commanders links
Articles
Sports Illustrated
Chig Okonkwo gives Jayden Daniels a more dynamic receiving threat, allowing Bates and Sinnott to settle into clearer roles
When Zach Ertz went down in Week 14 last season after taking a hit to his right knee, fans’ worst fears were confirmed almost immediately. A Washington Commanders campaign that was already tainted by a relentless slew of injuries added another notable
name to the IR in their veteran tight end, who’d see his second straight season with at least 50 receptions prematurely end at the hands of a torn ACL.
The loss of his presence as star quarterback Jayden Daniels’ most comfortable go-to short-area target was stark over the last four weeks of the disappointing winter, especially when his understudies were unable to fill the pass-catching vacuum he’d left behind. As helpful as John Bates’ blocking was, and with as much as third-stringer Ben Sinnott stands to prove, Washington’s front office readied for a pressure-filled offseason where they’d have to find someone to balance out the Commanders’ offense.
Enter Chig Okonkwo. The former University of Maryland standout is on the move for the first time since getting drafted by the Tennessee Titans four years ago, and as a free-agent addition, he’ll step right into Ertz’s former role as the top receiving option within the positional depth chart.
His impact will stretch well beyond what he’s able to do at the individual level as one of Daniels’ newest targets; with Okonkwo’s added flavor, the returning supplementary contributors at tight end have the chance to surge in settling into their own niches.
While Okonkwo left a few of his most ardent believers disappointed with his inability to look like a star next to Tennessee’s No. 1 drafted quarterback in Cam Ward, especially given the rookie’s usual willingness to lean on hitting checkdown targets, he did what Ertz couldn’t in making plays happen after the catch. His 6.1 yards after the catch per reception in 2025 were his most since his rookie season, and he did that while setting career highs in targets (79) and receptions (56).
The physical 26-year-old is much more dynamic than your average replacement-level, catch-first tight end. He should be able to hold his own on the blocking end and stands to thrive in space as one of Daniels’ top receiving options behind Terry McLaurin.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NOTUS.com
Five Players to Watch at Commanders Training Camp
For all the chatter about the Commanders needing another receiver ahead of training camp, it seems pretty clear they’re rolling with what they currently have. Which means someone has to line up opposite McLaurin, and it would appear Williams, a 2026 third-round pick, and Burks, a 2022 first-rounder in Tennessee, have the upper hand.
During 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills at OTAs and minicamp, Williams and Burks got a lot of time working with quarterbacks Daniels and Marcus Mariota.
Williams was primarily used out of the slot at Clemson last season, and his production didn’t exactly scream modern NFL starter (55 receptions, 604 yards, 11.0 yards per reception). But he is versatile and slippery, often used in jet sweeps and screens that take advantage of his speed. Much like most of the rest of the receiving corps, Williams is not a deep threat, but he can feast on defenses in intermediate routes.
Injuries have derailed Burks’ career, limiting him to just 35 games played in the last four years. But he’s shown big-play ability, albeit in spurts.
If Williams can find gaps in coverage and Burks can stay healthy, there’s a good chance one of them will earn a starting spot by the end of camp.
To read more of this NOTUS article, CLICK HERE
From Commanders Roundtable:
Selected 71st overall out of Clemson, [Antonio] Williams’ primary strength lies in his route-running nuance and ability to create separation. Williams stood out as a college junior, compiling 904 yards and 11 touchdowns on 75 catches while displaying elite short-area quickness and spatial awareness.
However, his senior season was plagued by minor injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. That production dip allowed Williams to slip to the third round—which could end up being a major steal for Washington if things break right.
Williams’ disciplined route-running should fit like a glove in David Blough’s structured system.
The Scheme Fit: Blough’s offense borrows heavily from the Detroit Lions’ system, where Blough spent time as a backup quarterback under Ben Johnson. That system famously weaponizes route technicians who can win inside the slot and flex outside.
The Stumbling Block: He’s a rookie. While analysts have drawn comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown due to his frame and route precision, Williams must quickly prove he can handle the physical demands of the NFL and showcase true scheme versatility both in the slot and on the perimeter.
If Williams hits the ground running in August, he gives Washington an organic, high-upside WR2 who can win at all three levels.
The Case for Burks: He gives Jayden Daniels a true “big-bodied” target on the boundary. In 50/50 ball situations and red-zone packages, Burks provides a physical presence that complements McLaurin’s speed.
The Red Flag: Durability and consistency. Burks has flashed elite potential in spurts, but he must prove he can stay healthy across a full training camp workload and absorb Blough’s playbook without hesitation.
To read more of this article from Commanders Rountable, CLICK HERE
NFL.com
NFC East training camp 2026 preview: Top storylines for Commanders, Cowboys, Eagles, Giants
How Daniels looks and feels after sustaining a sprained knee, strained hamstring and dislocated left elbow is tops on the agenda. He also needs to get acclimated to David Blough’s offense, which will see Daniels taking snaps under center far more now that his former assistant QB coach is his offensive coordinator after two seasons with Kliff Kingsbury in that role. Daniels is also in the latest season of Netflix’s Quarterback series. All eyes and a heap of responsibility will be on Daniels. How he bounces back — and how well he adapts to a new offense — could be the story of the Commanders’ season.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders.com
Leo Chenal loves Daronte Jones’ ‘linebacker-friendly’ scheme
The Commanders’ defense was in need of an upgrade in 2026 after struggling in the previous system. Jones is the architect of that upgrade, but Chenal is one of several tools Jones can use to make his vision come to life. And as long as he can make plays, Chenal is up for whatever Jones can throw at him.
“I love the system that Coach Jones brings with him from Minnesota,” Chenal said. “It really speaks to a linebacker like myself and guys in the middle of the defense. We get to make plays, and it’s really exciting.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
ESPN
2026 Washington Commanders training camp preview
Early roster projection
RB (4): Rachaad White, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jerome Ford, Kaytron Allen
TE (4): Chig Okonkwo, John Bates, Ben Sinnott, Colson Yankoff
WR (6): Terry McLaurin, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Dyami Brown
OL (9): Laremy Tunsil, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, Josh Conerly Jr., Brandon Coleman, Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, Matt Gulbin
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
What the rookie and UDFA class can prove for the Washington Commanders
WR Jaden Bradley
With all the talk about the wide receivers, can a UDFA make a case for himself? A former star at DeMatha, where he also teamed up with new safety Nick Cross, Bradley drew praise through OTAs into minicamp before joining several of the skill players for workouts with quarterback Jayden Daniels earlier this month. Washington doesn’t have a lot of body types like Bradley where the 6-foot-4 is the tallest receiver on the current roster, and after flashing at Pitt then UNLV, can Bradley do similar in the stadium less than one mile away from where he played in high school?
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
Tyler Owens must start delivering on his obvious promise to make the Commanders’ roster
For all of Owens’ imposing physical gifts, everything just hasn’t come together. His positional sense often lets him down, and his tackling technique remains raw two years into his time in Washington. The coverage capabilities have improved slightly, but there is a huge amount of hard work ahead this summer to earn a third year on the squad.
Cross, Harris, Martin, and Reaves are seemingly roster locks. That leaves one or two spots for the rest, and given how valued Butler is as a special-teamer, he may have the upper hand on Owens right now.
And if he cannot beat out Butler for the fifth safety spot, perhaps Washington isn’t the best place for Owens after all.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders.com
Who are the most underrated players on Washington’s roster?
Frankie Luvu
“Everybody is really excited about Leo Chenal. Everybody is really excited about Sonny Styles. We got Nick Cross and K’Lavon Chaisson. I was watching 2024 film, just being a psycho, and I was like, ‘This man is a killer.’ When you get him going downhill, aggressive towards the line of scrimmage…I think fans, for whatever reason, are sleeping on him right now.”
Josh Conerly
“They don’t show Conerly enough damn respect, because this kid played every snap of the season last year. This kid was going against every rush end you can think of in the league last year … And all he did was get better each and every week.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Reporting for (offseason) duty
Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders returning to the BigBear.ai Performance Center at Commanders Park for the start of the offseason workout program back in April
Podcasts & videos
Elite Linebacker Analysis, 2026 Training Camp Insights & Run Game Deep Dive | Command Center | NFL
RESULTS: Commanders Aren’t Chasing Relevance, Training Camp Tests The Ceiling
NFC East links
Blogging the Boys
Cowboys’ LB identified as player with the ‘most on the line’ in 2026
Of the potential Dallas Cowboys players Jon Machota could have chosen as the player with the most at stake entering the 2026 season, you can’t argue LB DeMarvion Overshown wasn’t the right choice. Not only does he have to prove he can overcome his past injury history, but also has to prove he can be a reliable starter in a contract year.Of the potential Dallas Cowboys players Jon Machota could have chosen as the player with the most at stake entering the 2026 season, you can’t argue LB DeMarvion Overshown wasn’t the right choice. Not only does he have to prove he can overcome his past injury history, but also has to prove he can be a reliable starter in a contract year.
[However,] [t]here is one player on the roster who might have more at stake than him, cornerback DaRon Bland, who could potentially be playing his last season in Dallas if his play doesn’t improve.
Despite being the seventh highest-paid CB in the league, Bland’s play hasn’t lived up to his big-money contract recently. A lot of that probably has to do with the reoccurring foot injury that’s required surgery in back-to-back seasons. He too, like Overshown, has to prove he can overcome his concerning injury history.
Both have troubling injury histor[ies] over the past few years and both could be playing to remain in Dallas beyond this year. Bland could potentially be a salary-cap casualty if his play doesn’t improve and Overshown may not receive an extension from the Cowboys.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Big Blue View
NY Giants news: WR Malik Nabers will avoid the PUP list
Nabers suffered a torn ACL with additional meniscus damage in the Giants Week 4 win against the Los Angeles Chargers a year ago. In addition to the surgery to repair his torn ACL, Nabers also needed to have his meniscus repaired. He also had a cleanup surgery earlier in the off-season, which raised questions as to his readiness for the 2026 season — let alone training camp.
Instead, it does appear that he’s trending toward being ready for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. Just how ready remains to be seen, but this is better news than the possibility of missing the first four weeks on the PUP list. Nabers will be ineligible for the PUP list once he practices the first time or plays in a preseason game.
Likewise, running back Cam Skattebo will be active to start training camp.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
The Athletic (paywall)
Can Cooper DeJean make the transition to safety this season?
Last summer, DeJean alternated between cornerback and safety in the base defense, while Fangio tried to determine his best quartet. It was settled that DeJean would play at cornerback, where he lined up for about 22 percent of the defensive snaps last season. After the addition of Riq Woolen solidified the Eagles’ outside cornerback tandem with Quinyon Mitchell, DeJean will now focus on safety for any formation with four defensive backs.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Discussion topics
aBit o’Twitter
