Team news: Washington Commanders | Page 4

If there were a set of rules for Sam Howell to follow as he tries to lead the Washington Commanders' offense, one of, if not the first on the list would be to get the ball to Terry McLaurin as often as possible.

McLaurin has been a security blanket for a variety of quarterbacks as he enters his fifth NFL season. As part of an offense that has gone through overhaul at almost every position, McLaurin has been one of the only constants, and despite all the turbulence that has surrounded him, he has found ways to be productive with every signal-caller he's worked with, from Alex Smith to Garret Gilbert.

Howell is the 10th player to throw passes to McLaurin in his career, and their relationship is still growing as Howell tries to earn the role of Washington's Week 1 starter for the 2023 season. Although the two have only been working together consistently since June, McLaurin can already tell a difference in their connection, and over the last few weeks, he feels it has risen to another level, the story went on to say.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed K Brandon McManus, the team announced today. Additionally, the team has waived K Riley Patterson.

McManus, a nine-year veteran, has appeared in 144 games since 2014, all with Denver. In his nine seasons, McManus has converted 81.4 percent (223-of-274) of his field goal attempts and his 40 made field goals of 50-plus yards are third most in the NFL over that time span. His 946 total points are fifth-most in the NFL since 2014.

Things are heating up as we get some kicker news down the pipeline. As a team, Jacksonville scored the ninth-most points per drive and kicked the 11th-most field goals per game. Kicker enthusiasts rejoice; McManus has landed in a nice spot.

Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler will remain with the team after $1.75 million in incentives were added to his deal this season. Ekeler is set to enter the final year of the four-year, $24.5 million extension he signed in 2020.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

Despite months of trade rumor possibilities, Ekeler isn't going anywhere. The workhorse role remains his for the taking, making him a top fantasy priority.

Commanders TE Armani Rogers did, in fact, tear his Achilles yesterday, source said following his MRI. He plans to have surgery next week from expert Dr. Robert Anderson and should make a full recovery. But out indefinitely.

Related Players: Logan Thomas, John Bates, Cole Turner

Rogers was a 2022 UDFA who had a decent amount of playing time during his rookie year, but didn't get a ton of run at receiver, turning in a 5-64-0 campaign. This may open the door to more playing time for 2022 fifth-rounder Cole Turner, who logged 245 snaps last year, with a majority of those coming in run blocking.

Brandon Staley says his expectation is that Austin Ekeler will be here for mandatory minicamp.

Despite months of trade rumor possibilities, it doesn't look like Ekeler is going anywhere. The workhorse role remains his for the taking, making him a top fantasy priority.

“Nope” Chargers GM Tom Telesco says when asked if they received any calls during the draft from teams interested in trading for running back Austin Ekeler.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

Los Angeles was considered an RB-needy team heading into the Draft, so it's a bit of a surprise that they exited without adding anybody. It looks like Ekeler and the team will need to reconcile their differences, but at the moment, that doesn't seem to be in the form of a new contract.

As it stands, Ekeler should be considered a high-value three-down back with a great quarterback.

The Arizona Cardinals have signed QB Jeff Driskel to a one-year deal.

Related Players: Colt McCoy, David Blough, DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown

Kyler Murray is officially out until around the start of the season, but it has been reported that he could be out until the second half of the season. There are also rumors that he may have taken his final snap as a Cardinal. That would mean that a team already looking at a possible No. 1 selection in 2024 will be starting Driskell, McCoy, or Blough. This offense will be one to avoid, and hopefully, we see DeAndre Hopkins with a new team come Draft time.

Former Falcons’ QB Marcus Mariota reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year, $5 million deal worth up to $8 million. Mariota is expected to be the Eagles’ No. 2 QB this season.

Prior to the signing, the QB room was only Jalen Hurts and Ian Book, so this gives them a little more insurance if something were to happen to Hurts. Mariota can be considered a deep dynasty stash.

Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler is requesting permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade after preliminary talks with the team aimed at a contract extension did not progress, his agent Cameron Weiss told ESPN.

This would obviously be a big deal if the two sides can't come to an agreement. If Ekeler is traded, he'll likely see a similar role to what he has with the Chargers, though he could land in a more crowded backfield and see his usage decline. Ekeler was fifth in the league in receptions (107) and was second only to Christian McCaffrey in receiving yards (722) among running backs.

Commanders ruled out RB Antonio Gibson for the New Year’s Day matchup vs. the Browns.

Related Players: Brian Robinson, Jonathan Williams

This should be the Brian Robinson show on Sunday, as he becomes an RB2 with definite high-RB1 upside.