A big part of the Washington Commanders’ offseason makeover centered around the pass rush. Washington signed Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency, and suddenly, the Commanders felt much better about their pass rush.
It didn’t take long for Oweh and Chaisson to make their presence felt. Through the first couple of weeks of training camp, both players were always on the standouts list. They were dominant. Oweh’s freakish athleticism was on full display every day. Meanwhile, Chaisson was proving to be a force against the run and the pass.
Midway through camp, Oweh and Chaisson both suffered injuries. Neither played in the preseason nor participated in the joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens last week. The Commanders were tight-lipped
regarding both players, but seemed optimistic they’d return in time to face the Eagles in Week 1.
As time progressed, it sounded like Oweh’s calf strain was at least a little more significant than Chaisson’s knee injury.
Less than two weeks before Washington opens the season in Philadelphia, what’s the latest on Oweh and Chaisson?
“We’re feeling good,” Quinn said about Oweh. “And he won’t be practicing with us today, but he’s making a lot of progress. And as we’re getting into next week, we’re thrilled that he’s making this kind of progress to get ready.”
It sounds like Washington hopes Oweh will be a full participant next week.
As for Chaisson, Quinn didn’t say, but ESPN’s John Keim said the Commanders are optimistic about his return next week.
Not practicing today: RB Bill Croskey-Merritt; sounds like he should return next week. LB K’Lavon Chaisson (knee) also out. Optimism for his return next week.
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 31, 2026
We’ve heard more and more about how Washington’s training staff is overly cautious with injuries. Since it’s training camp and the preseason, that’s understandable. Things might be different for some of the injured players if an actual game were coming up.
Oweh and Chaisson quickly proved that they will be impact players for the Commanders in 2026. So, it makes sense that Washington wants to ensure they’re on the field for Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: What's the latest on Commanders' edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson?
