The Washington Commanders host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in Week 3 action from Northwest Stadium. Washington looks to get back on track after Thursday’s 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers, where the defense allowed over 400 yards.
The Commanders lost defensive end Deatrich Wise for the season with a torn quad, and replacing him will not be easy. Washington signed Wise to provide size on the edge and his ability to help stop the run. The Commanders signed Jalyn Holmes from the practice squad. Holmes will help, but Washington may not be done looking for veteran defensive help.
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The Commanders worked out veteran defensive end/linebacker Preston Smith on Tuesday, per Field Yates of ESPN. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Smith is a former Washington second-round pick. The then-Redskins selected Smith with the No. 38 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. In four seasons with Washington, Smith appeared in all 64 games, making 50 starts, and finished with 168 tackles, including 29 for loss, 24.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Smith signed a four-year deal with the Green Bay Packers in March 2019, where he spent the next five-and-a-half seasons before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. In 10 NFL seasons, Smith has played in 163 games with 138 starts, made 443 tackles, 74 for loss, 70.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and five interceptions.
The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Smith is 32 years old.
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Smith is more known for his ability to help stop the run than he is a pass rusher, which would line up with Washington’s needs.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders hosted veteran pass rusher and former draft pick