They’ve used it throughout their remarkable 7-2 start. and suffered two consecutive losses, dropping them to 7-4 entering Week 12.
That means they must keep the “don’t flinch” mantra in mind when it comes to improving their offence, where they should sign free agent offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, who has been cleared to return to football after suffering a torn ACL while playing for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023.
“Former #AZCardinals Pro Bowl LT DJ Humphries, who is recovering from a torn ACL, has been medically cleared to return to play, source said,” Rapoport posted on his official X account on November 22. “Humphries visited the #Giants earlier in the season and could be a key option in the event of a major injury.”
Depending on the league’s interest in Humphries, the Commanders could sign him to the practice squad, but he would be a valuable insurance policy at left offensive tackle, where veteran Cornelius Lucas and rookie Brandon Coleman have alternated as starters this season.
Commanders’ OT Listed as ‘biggest weakness’
Lucas has made five starts in 2024, shielding rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick. Lucas has only been a full-time starter in one season, 2022, when he started 12 games for the Commanders.
Coleman was a third-round choice (No. 67 overall) out of TCU in the 2024 NFL draft. He has started six games and could be the long-term option at the position.
Right now, the Commanders should do everything they can to enhance their roster. According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, offensive tackle is one of the Commanders’ main concerns heading into Week 12.
On November 19, Holder expressed concern about the Commanders’ disorganized offence, despite losing two consecutive games. “The Eagles defence deserves credit, of course, but Jayden Daniels’ inability to find open receivers was a massive problem.”
Humphries Has Been Dominant Throughout Career
Humphries made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and signed a three-year, $51 million contract deal with the Cardinals in August 2022.
Humphries was a first-round choice (24th overall) out of Florida in the 2015 NFL draft and spent all nine seasons in Arizona before being released in March 2024.
He is also familiar with the Commanders and their offence, having played for Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury while he was Arizona’s head coach from 2019 to 2022.
“Expect teams to at least check in on his recovery between now and the start of training camp, and to consider scooping him up if they aren’t thrilled with their left-tackle situations in camp,” Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote in June 2024. “The Washington Commanders could be interested, as they’re expected to start either Cornelius Lucas, who was primarily a backup in 2023, or rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman in Week 1. Humphries previously played for new Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury at Arizona.”
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