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Bryan Manning

Projecting Commanders’ offensive depth chart for Week 1 vs. Cardinals

The Washington Commanders released their initial 53-man roster earlier this week and have already made changes. Washington placed defensive linemen Efe Obada and Phidarian Mathis on the short-term reserve/injured list, meaning both will miss at least the season’s first four games.

With the preseason and final cuts in the rearview mirror, the Commanders have turned their attention to Week 1. Washington will host the Arizona Cardinals in front of a sellout crowd at FedEx Field.

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Sam Howell will make his second career start at quarterback, with veteran Jacoby Brissett backing him up. What will the rest of the starting offense look like?

We project Washington’s Week 1 offensive depth chart.

Quarterback

Washington Commanders quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett (12) and Sam Howell (14). (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Starter: Sam Howell

Backup: Jacoby Brissett

Howell won the job and proceeded to have an outstanding training camp and preseason.

Running back

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr.. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) 

Starter: Brian Robinson Jr.

Backups: Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Robinson is the lead back, but Gibson will see plenty of action. Gibson will act as Washington’s third-down back but could be more of a 1b to Robinson’s 1a instead of being his backup.

Wide receiver

Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Starters: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel [slot]

Backups: Dyami Brown, Byron Pringle, Dax Milne and Mitchell Tinsley

Will McLaurin be ready for Week 1? He suffered a turf toe injury in the second preseason game, and Washington has been resting him. If McLaurin plays, he may not be 100%. If the toe is still bothering him, we could see more of Brown in Week 1. Brown has had a tremendous offseason.

Tight end

Logan Thomas #82 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Starter: Logan Thomas

Backups: John Bates, Cole Turner and Curtis Hodges

Thomas missed a good portion of training camp with a calf injury. However, coach Ron Rivera said the Commanders were just taking it easy with Thomas. Thomas said this week there were no limitations, and he appears on track for a Week 1 return.

Bates will play plenty, and Turner will also have a role. Don’t be surprised if Turner’s role grows throughout the season.

Left tackle

Charles Leno Jr. #72 of the Washington Commanders blocks Isaiah McGuire #57. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Starter: Charles Leno Jr.

Backup: Cornelius Lucas

Leno returns as Washington’s left tackle. Cornelius Lucas is an excellent backup with plenty of experience at both tackle positions.

Left guard

Washington Commanders tackle Saahdiq Charles (77). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Starter: Saahdiq Charles

Backup: Chris Paul

Charles missed some time in training camp with a calf injury. The Commanders love Charles’ potential, but staying healthy has always been a concern. Washington likes Paul, too, and he received a lot of reps this summer.

Center

Nick Gates (65) Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Starter: Nick Gates

Backups: Tyler Larsen and Ricky Stromberg

Gates is the starter and looked more comfortable throughout the preseason. Larsen is the experienced backup, while Stromberg is the promising rookie. All three players can play guard, too.

Right guard

Washington Commanders offensive tackle Sam Cosmi (76).

Starter: Sam Cosmi

Backup: Ricky Stromberg

If healthy, Cosmi and Charles would be as athletic as any guard duo in the league. Washington liked Cosmi’s potential at tackle; they love his potential at guard. Stromberg could serve as his top backup.

Right tackle

Washington Commanders guard Andrew Wylie (71). (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) 

Starter: Andrew Wylie

Backup: Trent Scott

Two veterans here. Wylie is the starter, and Scott is the backup. Wylie had a rough start in the preseason opener but appeared to settle in after the first two drives.

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