Commanders Start OTAs; Who Didn't Show Up?

With veterans and rookies coming together for the first time, three experienced Washington Commanders opted not to participate in the first practice of the offseason.

Often times we hear teams like the Washington Commanders discuss how the preparation and practice that goes into regular season preparation makes or breaks a good team. 

That makes the start of Phase Three of the Commanders' offseason program arguably the most important of all because it's the first time the veterans and rookies get on the practice field to begin forming this new team.

And according to John Keim of ESPN three key veterans were not present for the first day of these practices. 

"First day of voluntary OTA workouts for the Commanders. All but 3 attended," Keim tweeted Tuesday afternoon. "Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Charles Leno, Jr. Per source. Again: voluntary."

Keim hits the key word in his tweet for everyone to remember when reacting to the news, and that is that these practices are voluntary. 

Regardless of what opinion we may carry forward in the matter the players who are not in attendance are not doing anything wrong. 

Still, it's hard to ignore the fact that coaches time after time express the importance of players attending if they are physically capable of doing so. 

But the degree of disappointment around a player's decision isn't universal but rather is custom to fit that individual's circumstances. 

For Leno, as an example, the veteran offensive tackle has been one of the more consistent players during his career in terms of play and health, so his missing this portion of the season preparation isn't perceived as a major issue. 

However, for Young who recently had his fifth-year option declined by Washington this conscious decision not to arrive as soon as possible to show the franchise he's someone they want to keep around long-term is more troubling. 

In classic Goldilocks fashion Sweat's absence is likely to be received with moderate emotion and viewed as a tactic employed by many - including receiver Terry McLaurin last season - in an attempt to secure a new deal with his current one set to expire at the end of this year. 

Three players, three equal decisions not to appear at the team's first practice of this OTA period, and all three met different levels of reaction because of their circumstances. 

All the while Commanders coaches would rather have their players there, and fans are hoping this doesn't derail any potential success the team could experience in the future.

It's a critical season when weighing the future of Washington's football potential, and any speed bump will be viewed in a brighter light because of it. 

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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