Change Of Command?

While the Washington Commanders have been expected to roll with second-year quarterback Sam Howell at the helm, a slight wrinkle has been thrown into the mix.

In the team’s most recent practice, veteran QB Jacoby Brissett took a select amount of first-team reps.

The 30-year-old journeyman joined Washington on a one-year, $10 million contract in March, following a 2022 in which he started the majority of games for the Cleveland Browns in relief of the suspended Deshaun Watson.

Brissett also has spent time as a starter for the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Miami Dolphins, bringing him much more experience than Howell, Washington’s fifth round pick in ‘22 with only one game and start to his professional name.

While Head Coach Ron Rivera insists the move is nothing more than getting Brissett acclimated with the first-team offense in case of emergency, it is unusual to be taking away any reps, no matter how limited, from a young signal caller during precious training camp time. 

The Philadelphia Eagles will get an early look at their NFC East rival Commanders’ new offense under Eric Bienemy with matchups in Week 4 and Week 8. If Howell is to be the starter at the beginning of the season as expected, one wonders how short the leash is if he comes stumbling out of the gate.

Gary Gets Going

The Green Bay Packers welcomed back one of their top players to practice as Rashan Gary was removed from the PUP list.

The #Packers are activating pass rusher Rashan Gary off the PUP list today, per source.

Team will take it slowly with Gary coming off ACL surgery, but he’s set to ramp up the action.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 7, 2023

Gary has been a reliable edge rusher for the Packers since being drafted in the first round in 2019. Following a 2021 season with 9.5 sacks, Gary was on his way to an even better 2022 with six sacks in nine games before tearing his ACL.

The 25-year-old’s return comes at a perfect time, as his entry into the free agency market is awaiting following the ‘23 season.

While you can’t expect too much from a player on the mend from a torn ACL, Gary will have the luxury of not being forced into a full workload right away. The outside linebacker room is one of Green Bay’s deepest positions, which also includes Preston Smith as well as 2023 first round pick Lukas Van Ness.

On the Hunt

The New Orleans Saints, desperate for running back depth following the suspension of Alvin Kamara, worked out former Chiefs and Browns RB Kareem Hunt.

Source: Kareem Hunt is making a free agent visiting to the #Saints

The former rushing leader could be headed to NFC South. pic.twitter.com/Qjse1eHSnl

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 7, 2023

 

Hunt has been without a team since March following four seasons with the Browns. He was previously involved in trade talks with the Eagles during the 2022 trade deadline, but nothing came of it. 

With Kamara’s three game suspension, the only backs currently on the roster behind Jamaal Williams are two rookies: third round pick Kendre Miller and undrafted Ellis Merriweather.