Team news: Washington Commanders | Page 4

The Commanders are signing WR Jamison Crowder to their practice squad, sources say. The 2015 fourth-round pick returns to the franchise that drafted him.

Related Players: Dax Milne, Mitchell Tinsley

Crowder would have really hit another level to threaten Curtis Samuel, who figures to get a lot of work out of the slot this season. Crowder could find his way onto the active roster but would simply be a depth piece.

The Commanders are hoping star receiver Terry McLaurin will be healthy enough to play the season opener Sunday, but Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post reports that McLaurin’s status remains uncertain.

McLaurin injured his toe in an Aug. 21 preseason game against the Ravens and was diagnosed with turf toe. He is progressing in his recovery, per Jhabvala, and the Commanders consider him day to day. Coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday he would not update any injuries until Wednesday when it is required by the league, the story said.

TE Zach Ertz about playing Week 1: “I don’t think it’s certain by any means.”
Has to keep working. Has to re-earn trust of teammates, coaches.

Related Players: Trey McBride, Geoff Swaim

We haven't heard a modicum of good news about the Cardinals offense through almost the entirety of the offseason. If Ertz is forced to miss time, we should see some extended playing time for sophomore Trey McBride, which will at least give us an idea of what he offers to this new-look offense with Joshua Dobbs or Clayton Tune at the helm.

A few injury updates I’ve gathered:

• WR Wan’Dale Robinson: ACL. Expecting him to be activated from PUP by the Tuesday deadline.

• WR Cole Beasley: Quad. He’s close to 100%. Ford-Wheaton injury boosts Beasley’s odds for a roster spot.

Related players: Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, Parris Campbell, Jalin Hyatt, Jamison Crowder

The Giants have a crowded receiving room, and Robinson will need some time to get up to speed, so it remains to be seen what kind of role he'll start with and eventually get to on the Giants. Robinson has played most of his time in the slot and that area of the room is especially crowded, and includes the rookie Hyatt. Robinson was having the best game of his young career last season in Week 10, catching nine balls for 100 yards on 13 targets before tearing his ACL.

Sources say there is optimism for Week 1 for Terry McLaurin. More day-to-day than anything, with the scans showing no major injury.

Good news for McLaurin, who looks to be dealing with a mild toe sprain, or turf toe. Things appeared to be a little more serious after last night's game and even this morning. We'll keep you posted of any timetable as toe injuries can still be tricky to deal with.

Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin was not happy after limping off the field late in the first half. He threw his right shoe as an indication of that.

But, hopefully for the Commanders, the initial news is a sign that maybe it won’t be a long-term injury.

The Commanders report that McLaurin has a toe injury.

It's looking like turf toe, according to reports Tuesday morning. While toe injuries can be tricky, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports X-rays were negative, which is at least some good news. McLaurin was injured on a 13-yard reception from Sam Howell with a minute left in the first half. His foot bent behind him as Ravens linebacker Kristian Welch dragged him down. He's only missed three games in his entire career.

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.

Almost nine months after tearing his ACL and MCL, Cardinals TE Zach Ertz has been cleared for full football activity.

Related players: Trey McBride

Garafolo added Ertz is on track to play in Week 1, according to a source. The three-time Pro Bowler was on pace for 86 catches, 745 yards and 8 TDs before injuring his knee in Week 10, Garafolo went on to say. The Cards could ease Ertz back into play when the season starts, but this likely means McBride's stock is going to take a hit.

The Giants are signing WR Cole Beasley. He reunites with Brian Daboll, his former offensive coordinator with the #Bills, and adds another veteran target for Daniel Jones.

Year 12 in the NFL for Beasley back in the NFC East.

Related Players: Parris Campbell, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jamison Crowder

It isn't likely that Beasley carries any fantasy value himself but if he makes the team, he could eat into some snaps for the plethora of other slot receivers the team has. At the least, this at least brings a little more veteran presence for Daniel Jones.

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.