By DJ Harding
The Washington Commanders come into the 2023 season with a bit of a new look. They start the season against the Arizona Cardinals. Here are some of the highlights of this 53-man roster.
The Commanders named their six captains for the 2023 season. Defensive Tackle Jonathan Allen headlines the group with his fifth season as captain which will earn him a gold patch. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin and punter Tress Way will each be captains for their fourth season. Sam Howell and Jeremy Reaves will be named captain for their first season. Cornerback Will Fuller is the final captain.
The Commanders also had seven rookies make their roster. The headliners of this rookie class are the defensive backs with Emmanuel Forbes Jr and Jartavius Martin, who were the first two draft picks of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Forbes, the first round pick for Washington comes from Mississippi State. Martin, their second round choice, comes from Illinois. The Commanders third round selection also makes the roster. Ricky Stromberg is a Center from Arkansas.
The defensive backs aren’t the only rookies on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders had two defensive ends that are rookies on their 53 man roster, KJ Henry and Andre Jones Jr. Henry the Commanders fifth round pick is from Clemson and Jones Jr who was the Commanders seventh round pick is from Louisiana.
For coaching Ron Rivera the head coach and Jack Del Rio the defensive coordinator each enter their fourth season with the Washington franchise while their offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy enters his first season with the Commanders after being hired in February.
With Bieniemy, the quarterback room also sees some changes. Sam Howell is the only returning quarterback and after starting week 18 of last season, Howell is now quarterback one after being third last season. Quarterbacks one and two last season Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke are both gone and the new Quarterback two is Jacoby Brissett.
The Commanders season will begin on Sunday versus the Arizona Cardinals with kickoff scheduled for 1:00pm.
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