Commanders Gear Up for Preseason with Padded Practices

This past Monday, the Washington Commanders took the practice fields in Ashburn, Virginia, for their first padded practice of the 2023 training camp. The team had been in a five-day acclimation period before being allowed to don the pads, and they were eager to get started.

During the practice, there was a collision between second-year safety Tyler Owens and rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but both players were reported to be fine. Head coach Dan Quinn praised Croskey-Merritt's "violent cuts" and the team's belief that they "stole him" in the seventh round of the draft. The Commanders are confident that Croskey-Merritt will play a significant role for them this season.

Meanwhile, the team's star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, continues to negotiate his contract. McLaurin has been attending practices but has had conversations with his agent and signed autographs for fans. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that McLaurin is seeking a deal worth more than $33 million per year, which would surpass the contract signed by Steelers receiver DK Metcalf. The two sides remain far apart in their negotiations.

The Commanders are focused on improving their run defense, which was a weakness last season. They have allocated resources to the defensive line in an effort to add size and strength up front. While it's still early in camp, the team is hopeful that these improvements will help them close the gap on the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles.