The Washington Commanders turned back the clock by signing wide receiver Jamison Crowder to their practice squad earlier this week. Crowder played four seasons with Washington after the team drafted him in the fourth round in 2015.
Crowder once was one the best route-running slot receivers in the NFL. He had 221 catches and 14 touchdowns in the Burgundy and Gold before departing in free agency after the 2018 season.
However, his pass-catching skills weren’t the primary reason the Commanders signed him back. Washington needs a punt returner. The Commanders placed Dax Milne on injured reserve Friday due to a groin injury.
Milne led the NFL with 40 punt returns last season. The Commanders’ defense was ranked third in yards allowed in 2022. Crowder had 95 career punt returns, 86 while with the
Commanders. He has battled injuries throughout his career. Since leaving Washington, Crowder missed 22 games over the past three years. Last year, with the Buffalo Bills, Crowder’s season ended after four games with a fractured ankle.
After getting cut last month with the New York Giants, Crowder’s career reached a crossroads. His return to Washington gives him a chance to re-establish his career. Initial impressions are good, at least to head coach Ron Rivera.
“A veteran, comfortable out there catching punts for us,” Rivera said, per John Keim of ESPN. “[He] looked really good, very crafty, shifty route runner. We were looking for a more veteran guy out there to help out. We’ll see how the rest of the week unfolds.”
UDFA Kazmeir Allen is also an option to return punts
The Commanders appear set at wide receiver. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, and Dyami Brown sit at the top of the depth chart. Mitchell Tinsley, an undrafted rookie, is emerging.
But Crowder’s experience returning punts could boost Washington’s special teams. Washington released undrafted rookie Kazmeir Allen during final cuts and signed him back to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
Allen, a small yet agile speedster, had some growing pains returning punts throughout training camp and the preseason. His potential is glaring, but he may not be ready to be trusted.
Crowder can step in and solidify the punt return. Some would argue that’s something Milne struggled to do when he was healthy.
Rivera and special teams coordinator Nate Kaczor have a cagey veteran in Jamison Crowder as an option to rely on while Milne is out.
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