The Washington Commanders (0-0) are set to return to the field for the first time since January in tonight's preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns (1-0).
However, there are a pair of Commanders who will have to wait a little longer to make their official return to the field.
Per ESPN's John Keim, offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles and tight end Logan Thomas are both sitting out of tonight's game with calf injuries.
Charles, 24, is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract. He was drafted by Washington in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Charles is in the running to start at left guard this season, but he will not run with the first team in Friday's preseason game.
With Charles out, Chris Paul is expected to start at left guard. Paul was drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft and appeared in one game last season for the Commanders.
Thomas, 32, is also no stranger to injuries, and as the top tight end, the Commanders could look to keep him from hurting himself further before the start of the season. This should mean extra reps for John Bates and Cole Turner, especially in the first half of tonight's game.
The Commanders and Browns kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium.
More must-reads: