Saturday, the Commanders made a roster move, and the Chargers also made one of interest to Washington fans.
As expected, the Commanders again elevated receiver Tay Martin from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Chargers in Los Angeles. This was expected due to both starting receivers being out of the game. As for Martin, last week against the Falcons, he was targeted once and made the catch for a 14-yard gain, resulting in a first down.
Commanders fans will recall Clelin Ferrell, the defensive end who signed a one-year deal with the Commanders for 2024. He then signed another one-year deal to return to Washington for 2025; however, Ferrell was released in August when the Commanders had to reduce their roster to 53.
Advertisement
The Chargers then signed Ferrell to their practice squad on September 15. He has not yet appeared in a game for the Chargers. Ben Standig reported Saturday afternoon that the Chargers are elevating Ferrell for Sunday’s game against the Commanders.
The Commanders had earlier publicly announced that starting receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown are both out for Sunday vs the Chargers. It is the second consecutive week that McLaurin will not play. He missed last week against the Falcons, having injured his right quadriceps in the Week 3 win over the Raiders. Brown was injured throughout training camp, worked his way back in time for the season opener, but then suffered another injury (knee & groin) in the Week 2 loss to Green Bay. Consequently, it is the third consecutive game Brown is not playing.
Also declared out was right guard Sam Cosmi. However, this is not a setback. Cosmi was cleared to practice this week, having recovered from and undergone rehabilitation for his ACL tear, which occurred during the NFC Divisional Round win in Detroit in January. From the time the Commanders brought back Cosmi to begin practice, they have 21 days to return Cosmi to the 53-man roster, or then place him on season-ending Injured Reserve. So, they still have two weeks to determine if Cosmi has indeed adequately recovered from the ACL surgery.
There was no additional word on Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne. Payne was visibly limited last week, struggling against the Falcons. Payne also missed practice time this week, including he did not practice, Friday. So perhaps that was a precautionary rest decision by coaches, hoping it helps Payne recover more for Sunday.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders add WR depth ahead of Week 5