Latest news with #Commanders
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders' Risky Acquisition Improves During Minicamp
Commanders' Risky Acquisition Improves During Minicamp originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders took a huge risk at the deadline last season, trading three draft picks for Marshon Lattimore and a fifth round pick. Advertisement It was a win-now move for Washington, that didn't exactly pay dividends. Lattimore missed the first four weeks of his Commanders tenure with a hamstring injury. He made his Commanders debut in Week 15 and looked really good in coverage, with not a single pass being thrown his way. After that, things went downhill quickly. In Week 16, Lattimore aggravated his hamstring injury, sidelining him for the last two weeks of the regular season. Lattimore returned for the playoffs, but his play did not live up to the hype. In Baltimore's three playoff games, Lattimore posted PFF grades of 26.5, 58.0 and 35.6, respectively. In the playoffs, Lattimore surrendered 10 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown, while picking up three penalties. Lattimore skipped voluntary OTAs, which continued to worry some fans. But the veteran answered his critics and then some, showing up to minicamp looking like a whole new player. Advertisement According to those in attendance, Lattimore was fully healthy, with a "notable sharpness" to his movements, looking more agile, playing with no limitations. Lattimore is also playing without any inner doubt that a quick movement could cause further injury, which clearly plagued him last season. Earlier in the week, Lattimore expressed confidence in his upcoming campaign. "I feel good." Lattimore said. "It's been a full offseason to get healthy. I feel great, I've been working a lot, getting in better shape than I obviously was last year dealing with an injury, so I feel good. Just the burst, getting out of my breaks and all that. I was dealing with a hamstring, you know that takes a lot out of you. It takes a long time to heal, and I was just trying to battle through that. But now, with a full offseason, I feel great. I feel more explosive." If Lattimore is able to truly bounce back and play at his Pro Bowl level, suddenly the cornerback room can transform into an area of concern to a strength of the Commanders. With Mike Sainristil looking poised for a breakout season, second-round pick Trey Amos, veterans Jonathan Jones and Noah Ibinoghene, the Commanders have five formidable options. Related: Commanders' 2nd-Round Pick Earns Offseason Rookie Honor Related: Commanders' Austin Ekeler Has Terry McLaurin Contract Message This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top 10 injury news of the Lions 2024 season - #1: Aidan Hutchinson
The most critical injury to the Lions season - and the #1 injury story of 2024 - occurred on October 13, during the 47-9 blowout win over the Cowboys. During this otherwise festive game for Lions fans, disaster struck in the third quarter when Aidan Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula. Repercussions were felt the rest of the season culminating in the playoff loss. LEFT TIBIA/FIBULA FRACTURE VIDEO - October 13, 2024 IMPACT ON 2024 SEASON This was the top injury news of the season because of the devastating impact to the team. Behind Jared Goff, Hutchinson was likely the second-most critical player on the entire team due to his positional value, elite performance, and irreplaceability. Advertisement Pass rush was already a major concern entering the season even with Hutchinson healthy. It got worse in Week 3 when two front-seven starters - Marcus Davenport, EDGE and Derrick Barnes, LB - had season-ending injuries. When Hutchinson was hurt in Week 6, the situation looked dire. With the defensive line struggling to generate a pass rush, the Lions responded by trading for Za'Darius Smith in Week 10. No one was able to come close to replacing Hutchinson's production though. When you look at the final team stats, Hutchinson still finished with the team lead in sacks despite missing 13 games. Here are the season sack totals: Hutchinson 7.5 Smith 4.0 (in 8 games with Lions) Alim McNeill 3.5 DJ Reader 3.0 Al-Quadin Muhammad 3.0 Further season-ending injuries to key defenders McNeil and Carlton Davis (both in Week 15) compounded the loss of Hutchinson. Credit to the rest of the team for losing only one more regular season game following Hutchinson's injury - finishing with a 15-2 record and the #1 seed. Advertisement However, the lack of pass rush caught up to the team in the 45-31 playoff loss to the Commanders. The defense did not register a single sack and only forced one punt all game. SPECULATION ON SUPER BOWL RETURN The big, recurring question after the injury was whether Hutchinson might return for the Super Bowl. Typically, a tib/fib fracture carries a 6+ month timeline, so a Super Bowl return at the 4-month mark would have been aggressive. However, the Super Bowl is not a normal game, and there are many examples of players who have returned extremely early in recovery to play in that game - Terrell Owens (ankle fracture) 2005, Thomas Davis (forearm fracture) 2016, and Brandon Graham (triceps) 2025. Advertisement The Super Bowl speculation was started in the days after the injury by sources close to Hutchinson, who stated an early return was a possibility due to the uncomplicated nature of the injury. Dan Campbell, in the first week after the injury, also offered an anticipated 4-6 month timeline. In December, Hutchinson himself fueled the speculation by saying he was "on track" to play in the Super Bowl. While he would not have been close to full strength for the big game, a limited return would still have provided an emotional boost to the team and fanbase. Unfortunately, the Lions did not make it that far to see if the inspirational return might happen. INJURY OUTLOOK The outlook for Hutchinson's recovery is very good, as the injury spared his joints and there were no signs of any complications. But there are still some hurdles to overcome. Residual effects of the injury, or discomfort with the metal hardware are possible. The other hurdle is a mental one, which could include a tweak to his technique. Does Hutchinson need to adjust his technique to avoid a recurrence? Hutchinson's tib/fib fracture is at least the second time his leg has whipped around in a powerful fashion. The first time was in 2023, when the impact spared Hutchinson, but injured Alim McNeill's MCL. McNeill was placed on IR and missed four weeks. Advertisement Here are the still frames comparing the two incidents: Aidan Hutchinson leg whip 1 Aidan Hutchinson leg whip 2 Whether this leg action is a fluke or something more pervasive would require exhaustive film review - not just of Hutchinson but of other elite edge rushers. The results of this kind of review would help determine if a technique adjustment is warranted. Can he overcome the mental hurdles? If Hutchinson is worried about a recurrence, this could impact his aggressiveness and productivity. If he decides to adjust his technique, this will take time and reps before he's comfortable again. Either way, it may take some time to mentally get back to the level he was playing at prior to injury. EXPECTATIONS GOING FORWARD Hutchinson was deemed a "full" participant at June OTA which signals that he will be ready for the season. This recovery timeline is in-line with typical expectations for a tib/fib fracture. As far as a return to previous level of performance, that remains to be seen. I think the odds are good, and Vegas agrees, as he is currently one of the top 3 consensus betting favorites to win the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The other favorites are Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett. CONTRACT IMPLICATIONS Hutchinson is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension. His 5th-year option was picked up, but I don't expect the Lions to wait until then to extend him. He will start the 2025 season at a youthful 25 years old and should be in his prime for many more years. Advertisement Despite his injury, expect him to get the biggest, non-QB contract in the history of the NFL very soon, so he can continue to make these kinds of ridiculous plays in Honolulu Blue.... This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Top 10 injury news of the Lions 2024 season - #1: Aidan Hutchinson
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders' Brian Robinson Ready For 'Big' Contract Year
Commanders' Brian Robinson Ready For 'Big' Contract Year originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Washington Commanders' running back Brian Robinson Jr. knows that the 2025 season will be a crucial one for him and his NFL future. Advertisement With B-Rob entering the final year of his rookie deal, he knows that he must show that he deserves a contract next season, and he will get ample opportunities to prove he can be "the" guy for Kliff Kingsbury. In each of his three seasons, Robinson totaled at least 700 rushing yards, including a career-high eight rushing touchdowns last year, as he led the Commanders in that category. But this is a new year, and Robinson Jr. is making a promise as he knows he has to take his game up a level. 'I need to take my level of focus up a notch or two,' Robinson Jr. said to JP Finlay. 'Definitely it's a big year not only for me but for a lot of guys around here too, definitely want to stay focused and get ready for a long season ahead of us. Step by step, just attack the process and be ready for everything that comes.' Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) hands the ball to Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Northwest Stadium.© Amber Searls-Imagn Images In what is an interesting scenario, Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler or Jeremy McNichols are all out of contract at the end of the 2025 season, so there could be some change coming for the running back room. Advertisement Granted, Robinson Jr. is the lead back, and he needs to put on a show behind Jayden Daniels. Yet to play a full season, 2025 would be the perfect time for B-Rob to do that, surpass 1,000 yards, and earn himself a new contract. Of course, that is easier said than done, but to achieve it, everything starts in the offseason, and Brian has been doing what he needs to do to best prepare himself for a career-defining season as a Commander. And he'll let the chips fall where they may. Related: Hall of Fame Receiver Demands Commanders Pay Terry McLaurin Related: Commanders Rival Gives Love To Jayden Daniels This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
NFL Wirter Cites 'Overreaction' to Terry McLaurin's Holdout
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Coming off a season that ended in an NFC Championship game appearance, the Washington Commanders have a lot to be excited about heading into 2025. However, they have one major off-field situation they need to address before the regular season gets underway. When OTA's and minicamp get underway, one of the biggest storylines across the NFL is contract holdouts. It's a rather common practice among players and something the Commanders find themselves dealing with. Heading into the final year of his contract, Terry McLaurin has been away from the team as he continues to negotiate with the front office. McLaurin has been a staple for the Commanders for years now, proving to be one of the most consistent wide receivers in the league. He quickly built a strong connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels, catching a career-high 13 touchdowns last season. Now, McLaurin wants to make sure he's properly compensated to match his peers at his position. Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia,... Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles beat the Commanders 55-23. More LaurenRead more: NFL Insider Provides Latest Developments on Commanders Star's Holdout Following minicamp, John Breech of CBS Sports broke down a series of major storylines across the NFL. Among the topics he dove into was McLaurin's standoff with the Commanders. When posed with the question if the star wideout will miss time due to his holdout, he labeled it an overreaction. "Terry McLaurin is holding out over a contract dispute, as he's entering the final year of his deal," Breech wrote. "The Commanders don't seem too concerned about it, but the market has certainly changed since McLaurin's last extension. Is McLaurin worth $30 million a year after coming off a career-high 13 touchdowns? The Commanders would be foolish to let this holdout drag on. Good chance this holdout ends sooner rather than later." Read more: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Named Top Standout Among his Peers As Breech mentioned, the Commanders cannot let this situation drag into the regular season. The franchise drastically altered its trajectory last year and needs to capitalize on its newfound momentum. Last thing they need is off-field drama hanging over their heads as they attempt to remain a threat to contend in the NFC. Seeing that the Commanders have been in this kind of situation before with McLaurin, the expectation should be that the two sides will work things out. Given the success he had alongside Daniels, they are in no position to not keep him around for the foreseeable future. With wide receivers around the league receiving top dollar, price will be the key factor in this holdout coming to a close. Only time will tell if and when the Commanders will put an end to this back-and-forth with McLaurin. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst: Commanders' Jayden Daniels is the future best quarterback in the game
NFL analyst: Commanders' Jayden Daniels is the future best quarterback in the game "Jayden Daniels looks like the most likely of those young QBs to be that future MVP and future best QB in the game." 😳@SamMonsonNFL isn't holding back 👇 — Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) June 13, 2025 Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels established himself as a major threat in his rookie campaign. He did things no one expected him to do, and set records on his way to earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. On top of that, Daniels led the Commanders in their best season in over 30 years, followed by a postseason run that ended at the NFC Championship game. Now, in year two, many believe that Daniels will suffer a sophomore slump as so many players do, but even if he does, NFL A\analyst Sam Monson believes Daniels is the future best quarterback in the game. "Jayden Daniels looks like a future MVP," Monson says. "If he picks up the way he left off, and that's no guarantee based off what we've seen from various other quarterbacks, but Jayden Daniels showed last year he's got everything you want. He's got the arm, he's got the defense reading ability, he's got the athleticism, and then he's got that 'it' factor, right? That clutch gene, the ability to drag a team that shouldn't be there into the NFC Championship game. The ability to, "Oh look, we're down late against Joe Burrow and the Bengals," just drop a perfect touchdown pass to win a game." We may have seen that last season against the Chicago Bears when Daniels threw a gorgeous Hail Mary pass to the end zone that Noah Brown caught. "Like, he's got everything you want," Monson continues. "As long as he doesn't drop off hard in year two, and even if he does, maybe it's year 3, 4, he bounces back and becomes the best guy. Daniels looks like the most likely of those young quarterbacks to me now to be that future MVP and future best quarterback in the game." Daniels has given no one any reason to doubt his ability, and even if there is a dip in his production, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a slump. Especially if the Commanders reach the postseason again. No, as long as Daniels remains healthy, he will continue to perform at the elite level we have become accustomed to. And while he may not earn MVP honors this year, that award is surely in his future.
