Commanders Reveal Preseason Depth Chart vs. Browns: 5 Takeaways
Washington Commanders preseason football is nearly upon us, and as every team does, they released the unofficial depth chart for the games.
The Commanders have done so prior to their meeting against the Cleveland Browns, and there are some interesting things to come out of it.
With some players impressing during training camp and others not so much, the preseason outings are a great way for players to show the coaching staff they are worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster.
Here are five takeaways from the Commanders' depth chart listing vs. the Browns.
Sam Howell QB1... for now.
We will see Sam Howell get the first crack at the starting job, as he has shown enough during training camp to warrant getting the reps in.
Obviously, Jacoby Brissett will get his chance as well, but first up is Sam, and whether or not his placing on the depth chart coincides with his efforts during training camp or not is unknown, but it seems like Howell has the inside track to start Week 1.
Emmanuel Forbes only rookie starter.
The first-round pick is the only rookie to start vs. the Browns. In all likelihood, Forbes will be on a pitch count, as the Commanders will not want their new cornerback getting injured in a meaningless game.
Jartavius Martin, Ricky Stromberg, Braeden Daniels, K.J. Henry, Edge, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Andre Jones are all listed as third-stringers heading into the game.
Clearly, that can and will change throughout the other preseason games, but only Forbes has done enough to be put on the field straight away.
Saahdiq Charles starts at LG
One of the biggest areas that needed strengthening this offseason for Washington was the offensive line, and looking at the depth chart, Saahidiq Charles has been listed as the starter at left guard.
What is perhaps a little surprising is that Charles has been limited in practice, but we imagine that Ron Rivera wouldn't be placing him in harm's way this early in the preseason if he wasn't ready.
Entering his fourth NFL season, Charles will look to build his case for a permanent starting job protecting either Howell or Brissett this season by putting in a good performance vs. Cleveland.
He has only started eight games in three years, perhaps this is the start of something big for Charles.
Nick Gates at center
Another offensive line nugget. Acquired this offseason to fortify the offensive line, Gates gets to work straight away.
The chemistry built throughout training camp with Howell and Brissett will be tested, and it will be important to get these "game-like" reps under his belt so when the regular season rolls around, there will be no hiccups.
Antonio Gibson second-string RB, first-string KR
Gibson, who shared the running back load with Brian Robinson Jr. last season, is again listed as the backup...but in an eyebrow-raising move, Washington has listed him as a kick returner too.
Clearly wanting to see if Gibson can do the job, it is a rather interesting move from the coaching staff. With Robinson nailing down the No. 1 spot, this feels like a concerted effort to get Gibson more involved.
We will see if he can become a good kick returner by his efforts vs. the Browns.
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