The Washington Commanders began Phase 3 of their offseason program this week. On Wednesday, cameras were allowed during OTAs, and much of the talk centered on who wasn’t present at the voluntary workouts.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore were absent on Wednesday. It’s unknown how much time Tunsil and Lattimore have missed of the offseason program, but McLaurin has been present. McLaurin and the Commanders are working on a contract extension to keep him in the burgundy and gold for years.
Advertisement
Tunsil, acquired in a March trade with the Houston Texans, has reportedly skipped some of Houston’s voluntary sessions in recent years, yet stays in excellent shape and remains one of the NFL’s best left tackles.
Lattimore’s absence is a bit more curious. Like Tunsil, he has two years remaining on his deal, but with very little guaranteed money. Lattimore was acquired at the NFL trade deadline last season. Unfortunately, he was injured when he arrived and struggled in the games he did play for the Commanders.
It’s unknown if anyone’s absence is contract-related, although McLaurin’s most likely is.
Head coach Dan Quinn doesn’t appear concerned.
Advertisement
“Yeah, just make it a point to stay in touch, in season, offseason and just make sure that’s like my job to make sure, you know, everybody’s hitting the right markers of what we’re doing,” Quinn said on Wednesday. “And so those guys have been excellent in terms of the communication with me, and I speak to Terry specifically, like he’s had a great offseason.”
It’s not surprising that Quinn remains in contact with McLaurin. McLaurin and everyone in the organization want to finalize a new contract, and they likely will do so ahead of the season.
Tunsil and Lattimore’s absences are no big deal—for now. If they don’t report to training camp—which seems unlikely—then there’s cause for concern. The good news is that Quinn is on the same page with his players.
And, it’s always important to remember that these OTAs are voluntary.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: What does Dan Quinn think of some Commanders missing OTAs?