By Adam Aniba
Heading into final roster cuts in an effort to get to the 53-man roster, it was believed Washington would keep 5 maybe 6 receivers. Instead, Head Coach Ron RIvera elected to keep 7. Top receiver Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel were locks.
In a surprising development, second year receiver/returner Dax Milne made the final roster, along with former Kansas City receiver Byron Pringle (Article) and undrafted free agent rookie Mitchell Tinsley (FULL Scouting Report).
Although not believed to be a major issue, McLaurin's sprained toe could keep him out Week 1 vs Arizona.
Even with McLauirn in the lineup, the Commanders still lack an effective punt returner. In the latest depth chart Antonio GIbson will be the primary kick returner with Dax Milne being named the starting punt returner.
During his 4 seasons in Washington, Jamison Crowder played in 56 games and recorded 415 receptions for 4,667 yards and 14 touchdowns.
After departing Washington Crowder signed with the NY Jets. He played 3 seasons for New York and was active in 40 games, in which he recorded 188 receptions for 1,979 yards and 14 touchdowns.
In 2022 Crowder only played in 4 games for Buffalo, registering 6 receptions for 60 yards.
Crowder had success in Washington as a returner with 86 punt returns for 677 yds 1 and 1 touchdown.
The former Duke receiver saw zero snaps as a returner in New York and only 9 punt returns for 100 yards last season in Buffalo.
Although McLaurin could still be active Week 1, adding a veteran with Crowder's skill set as a returner would instantly strengthen their the special teams unit.
Tinsley and Pringle have upside to contribute in the receiving game this season. On the flipside, Milne is limited. He just isn't a player with the vision and doesn't possess the type of explosiveness needed from an NFL receiver/punt returner.
Let's hope Crowder is back wearing the the burgundy and gold at some point this season.
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