Week Two: Commanders Rookie Report
Let’s take a quick look at how the Washington Commanders rookies did on their first road trip of the 2022 NFL season in week two.
Last week we took our first look at the Commanders rookies in the week one win against the visiting Jaguars. This week, the series continues after the Commanders suffered a crushing week two defeat in Detroit, 36-27. Let’s take a look at how the Commanders rookies fared this week.
Week Two Rookie Inactive List
RB Brian Robinson
Already one of the most popular players on the Commanders roster, fans are continuing to count down the weeks until Brian Robinson Jr. is once again back on the field. Recent updates seem to indicate that Robinson is trending in the right direction for his initial target return date of week five.
Commanders rookie RB Brian Robinson was shot twice in his right leg on Aug. 28. He’s already back on the practice field 🙌 @BrianR_4 pic.twitter.com/zDZ1s4OuGX — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2022
There is no doubt that once Robinson takes the field again, he’ll serve as a key player in the Commanders offensive attack.
TE Cole Turner
To err on the side of caution, the Commanders decided to have Turner rest another week. The staff wants to prevent any setbacks and ensure that the playmaking tight end will be at full capacity when he returns. In the meantime, Logan Thomas, John Bates, and Armani Rogers will continue to lead the tight end room.
QB Sam Howell
Another week, another inactive designation for rookie quarterback Sam Howell. With the way Carson Wentz has been playing so far and Taylor Heinicke being the insurance, it’s hard to see Howell being on the active roster any time soon barring injury.
OG Chris Paul, CB Tariq-Castro Fields
Just as last week, due to the depth that the Commanders have at both guard and defensive back, Paul and Castro-Fields were once again inactive.
Center Chase Roullier also suffered an injury that Ron Rivera said will likely land him on injured reserve. Upcoming active lineup changes to the offensive line are something to monitor with Chris Paul and the O-line.
Rivera says center Chase Roullier likely to go on short term IR. Means he would be out until Week 7. Big blow to an already banged up interior OLine — JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 19, 2022
New Addition To Rookie Inactive List
DT Phidarian Mathis
Rookie defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis had an unfortunate injury in last week’s win that caused him to leave the game early and ultimately, put an end to his season as well. The good news is that Mathis underwent a successful procedure recently and gave Commanders fans an update on Twitter. Mathis looks to start his rehab process and work towards returning for the 2023 season.
Successful surgery thank you God🙏🏾❤️ Thank you Dr. Annunziata and your team🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/kVBSsdsgKM — Phidarian (Phil) Mathis (@PhidarianMathis) September 16, 2022
Week Two Active Rookies
CB Christian Holmes
Week Two: 27 snaps on special teams/84%
Previous week: 22 snaps on special teams/92%
Holmes didn’t see any defensive snaps again this week but continued to provide support on special teams seeing 27 snaps with them on Sunday. Barring injury or depth chart movement, Holmes looks to continue to work primarily with the special teams for now.
DB Percy Butler
Week Two: Three snaps on defense/5%, 19 snaps on special teams/59%
Previous week: One assisted tackle, One total tackle (Nine snaps on defense/13%, Eight snaps on special teams/33%)
Butler saw a slight decrease in defensive snaps from last week, as he only was only with the unit for three snaps. This may not necessarily be a reflection of Butler’s performance but could be more of a reflection of the emergence of Darrick Forrest. As the second-year safety saw more of the snap-share on defense in week two than he did in week one.
With Kam Curl returning soon, Butler could continue to primarily serve on the special teams, which Rivera adores.
TE Armani Rogers
Week Two: One snap on offense/1%, 21 snaps on special teams 66%
Previous week: One target, One catch, 23 yards (Four snaps on offense/5%, 16 snaps on special teams/67%)
The undrafted quarterback-turned-tight end remained third on the depth chart for this game, behind John Bates and Logan Thomas. Rogers did technically see a decrease in snaps this week as he only saw one on Sunday compared to the four snaps he saw last week.
However, this should not be viewed as a reflection of his performance because we have seen what Rogers is capable of. This was mostly due to Logan Thomas seeing an increase in snaps, as last week was to help him “get his feet wet” after returning from his ACL injury.
Washington’s TEs, including Turner, were banged up in camp, giving Armani Rogers a lot of playing time to prove himself. Rogers switched from QB only 10 months ago. https://t.co/0eE26UoRp3 https://t.co/lLimDcbhQK — Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 18, 2022
Cole Turner could be on the active roster for next week’s game, which could put Rogers at risk of taking Turner’s place on the inactive list. Rogers will still remain a solid addition to the position’s depth.
WR Jahan Dotson
Week Two: Four catches on five targets, 59 receiving yards, one touchdown (73 snaps on offense/99%)
Previous week: Three catches on five targets, 40 receiving yards, two touchdowns (68 snaps on offense/ 88%)
Jahan Dotson followed his Rookie of the Week performance from week one with another amazing performance this week against the Lions. Dotson saw an increased number of playing time for the Commanders, he was on the field for 99% of their offensive snaps.
What a grab by @JahanDotson‼️ 📺 #WASvsDET FOX pic.twitter.com/XDiBRaanvA — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 18, 2022
Dotson continues to provide an immediate impact and has already proven to be one of the most pivotal members of Washington’s offense this season.
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