Washington Commanders take hit to tight end depth chart

The Washington Commanders have had a good offseason up to this point. They settled on their quarterback of the future in Sam Howell, signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett as insurance, re-signed Daron Payne as well as their other free agents, and the team will finally be in better ownership hands with Josh Harris.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end and that’s what happened with the recent injury news coming out of OTA’s. According to John Kiem of ESPN, tight end Armani Rogers injured his Achilles in a non-contact play and probably won’t play this season as a result. This injury does hurt the depth chart of the Commanders moving forward.

Armani Rogers’ injury hurts Washington Commanders’ depth chart

During his rookie season, Rogers was either third or fourth on the depth chart for the Commanders but showed flashes of skill and athleticism during his rookie year. He recorded 5 receptions and 64 yards. However, when he played he impressed, and if you don’t believe me check out this clip.

Head coach Ron Rivara had this comment about Rogers’ injury.

"“It’s a blow…The young man really progressed well for us last year. But we feel confident in the group of tight ends.”"

While Rivera is right about the injury being a blow, Rivera is wrong about feeling confident in this group of tight ends. Outside Logan Thomas who has health concerns, none of the other tight ends have much experience or skills.

John Bates has two years of experience and was used more as a pass blocker than a pass catcher. In two seasons, he’s recorded 34 catches and 357 yards. Cole Turner is entering his second season and only caught two out of nine targets for 23 yards. Curtis Hodges was an undrafted rookie and didn’t even play last season.

Expect Bates to step up the most in Rogers’ absence but he’s not the same type of athlete that Rogers is and will continue to be limited. Losing Rogers is a blow going into this season for the Washington Commanders.