The Washington Commanders depth along the offensive line is already being put to the test.
Washington offensive lineman Andrew Norwell was added to the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday. The move removes Norwell from the 90-man roster and could signal his time with the Commanders is near the end.
If Washington were to release Norwell, they would save $4.38 million in cap space according to Spotrac.
Norwell started 16 games for Washington in 2022. The Commanders offensive line allowed the seventh most sacks with 48.
Norwell also played for the Carolina Panthers (2014-2017) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-2021).
The offensive line was a point of emphasis for the Commanders in free agency and during the draft. Washington signed offensive linemen Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie to three-year deals in free agency. In the draft, they took Utah offensive lineman Braeden Daniels and offensive lineman Ricky Stromberg from Arkansas.
Gates, who previously played for the New York Giants, returned to the field for the first time in 2022 since suffering a gruesome leg injury a year prior against Washington. Gates did his best work at center for the Giants when he was healthy, but has experience along each position of the offensive line.
Wylie saw time at guard and right tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. Wylie played right tackle in 2022 and figures to stay at the position for Washington in 2023. The addition of Wylie will likely force Washington offensive tackle Sam Cosmi to kick inside to guard. Cosmi started six games for the Commanders in 2022 after dealing with a multitude of injuries.
Daniels played in 49 games, 43 of which he started in his time at Utah. Daniels started 18 games at left guard, 14 at left tackle and 11 at right tackle. The versatile offensive lineman started all 14 games at left tackle in 2022 and made the Pac-12 All-Conference first-team.
Stromberg started 44 games in his career as a Razorback. His play in 2022 earned him the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which goes to best offensive lineman in the conference.
Daniels and Stromberg both figured to have a chance to play right away for a Washington offensive line that needs help. With Norwell being added to the PUP, it only heightens the need for one of the rookies to step up alongside Gates and Cosmi if the unit is going to improve in 2023.
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