Commanders receive positive injury news as three players return to practice

The Washington Commanders suffered their fair share of injuries last season, and this season isn’t starting out any better.

First, they lost left tackle Laremy Tunsil during the preseason. They thought they’d get Trey Amos back during training camp, but a new injury sidelined him longer. Jeremy McNichols was injured. Jayden Daniels injured his left elbow. Leo Chenal and Jaylin Lane were lost for the season. Sam Cosmi and Rachaad White are injured. Chig Okonkwo and Frankie Luvu missed two games. And there are more, but let’s just say this team has had a rough go of things for a while.

On Wednesday, though, Washington finally got some good news. Trey Amos, Deatrich Wise, and Jeremy McNichols all had their 21-day windows open, and all three returned

to the practice field.

CB Trey Amos, DE Deatrich Wise Jr. and RB Jeremy McNichols have all returned to practice and their 21-day windows have been opened pic.twitter.com/jwRZVvx1D1

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 7, 2026

The Commanders’ defense has played well at times this season, but the loss of Chenal and Mike Sainristil’s poor play make Wise and Amos’s returns all the more enticing.

Amos fractured his fibula in Week 10 last season, and when he returned to practice during training camp, he injured the ankle on the same leg that was previously broken, sending him back to Injured reserve to open the season. He may not play in Week 5, depending on how he feels and looks this week, but it’s encouraging that he’s heading in the right direction.

Wise tore his quadriceps muscle in Week 2 of 2025. The injury required surgery and lots of rest and rehabilitation to recover. Wise is finally in a spot where it’s safe to return to practice. Wise will be a welcome addition to the defense, specifically against the run.

Jeremy McNichols also suffered a quadriceps injury, though not as serious as Wise's. McNichols was injured during training camp/preseason and landed on injured reserve until he was ready to come back. He’s long been an important part of the Commanders’ special teams unit, and with Lane’s injury ending his season, McNichols’ presence on special teams is needed. On top of that, Rachaad White missed last week’s game with a shoulder injury, so McNichols will likely get some offensive snaps, too. The good news is White should be back in Week 5, though.

The Commanders haven't made any corresponding moves to make room for the players who returned to practice, but they have 21 days to decide whether to activate them or revert them to season-ending IR.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders receive positive injury news as three players return to practice