The Washington Commanders finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the NFL regular season, announcing multiple cuts, transactions, and injury designations. The moves came Sunday, with further adjustments anticipated in the coming days.
Two key players, left tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, remain on the active roster despite suffering significant injuries—a torn triceps for Tunsil and a torn pectoral for Newton. Sources familiar with the team’s plans indicated both are expected to be placed on injured reserve later this week, which would open up two roster spots. One of those spots will reportedly be used to activate defensive tackle Shy Tuttle.
Cornerback Trey Amos and running back Jeremy McNichols were placed on injured reserve with designations to return. Both are expected to miss the first four games of the season due to an ankle sprain and quad strain, respectively. Defensive end Dedrich Wise was placed on the physically unable to perform list and will also be sidelined for the opening four games. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong started the season on the reserve/suspended list after serving a one-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and is eligible to return in Week 2.
The Commanders released several offensive and defensive players as part of the roster cutdown. Among the released offensive players were quarterback Sam Hartman, running backs Robert Henry Jr. and Craig Reynolds, and tight ends Lawrence Cager, Tre’ McKitty, and Quentin Moore. The wide receiver group saw Van Jefferson, Jaden Bradley, Jacoby Jones, and Nick Nash waived. On the offensive line, centers Julian Good-Jones and Trey Hill, guards Max Scharping and Saahdiq Charles, and tackles Demetrius Knox II and Dan Moore Jr. were also let go.
Defensive cuts included defensive backs Tony Fields II, Isaac Yiadom, and Ben Wilson, linebacker De’Jon Harris, and defensive linemen Nakobe Dean Jr., Tarroth Ogunsipe, and Khris Bogle.
Notably, the Commanders completed two significant trades prior to the roster deadline. Defensive lineman Montez Sweat was sent to the Jacksonville Jaguars, while wide receiver Terry McLaurin was traded to the New York Giants.
In addition to the main roster changes, the team announced the signing of cornerback Athan Kaliakmanis, wide receiver Ricky Smalling, long snapper Liam Siragusa, and linebacker Matthew Christmas to the practice squad. Rookie cornerback Kaliakmanis notably secured the backup quarterback spot, edging out veteran Sam Hartman, who was among the 34 players cut from the roster.
The Commanders will open their regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET, broadcast on Fox.