Commanders Could Lose Key UDFA to Injury

The Washington Commanders were tasked with building around quarterback Jayden Daniels in the offseason, armed with the knowledge that he is capable of contending for a Super Bowl.

That lends itself to an aggressive offseason, and thus fewer draft picks, and the need to win along the margins. Subsequently, Washington needed a strong undrafted free agent class, too.

The biggest story of the team’s class of undrafted free agents might be the presence of defensive back Gabe Taylor, the little brother of late Washington safety Sean Taylor. The best player of the undrafted class is North Carolina State offensive lineman Timothy McKay.

McKay received the largest bonus of general manager Adam Peters’ second undrafted free agency class.

However, the Commanders could lose the key undrafted free agent for his rookie season.

“Two UDFA signings, cornerback Fentrell Cypress and offensive lineman Tim McKay (torn labrum), did not participate,” Ben Standig wrote. “McKay’s injury, suffered at NC State’s pro day, will likely keep the three-year college starter and guard prospect sidelined into training camp, possibly leading to a physically unable to perform designation.”

The Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list is frequently used during training camp. But if McKay is still on the PUP list at the end of training camp, he’d have to miss the first four games of the regular season. From there, he’d have five weeks to be activated to the 53-man roster, or else he’d have to miss the season.

There’s a predicament here. Washington shelled out legitimate money for McKay, signifying that he’d have a real chance to make the 53-man roster. But if he’s not practicing (players cannot while on the PUP), he won’t have the chance to prove himself, much less take a roster spot.

Given his pre-draft hype, he figures to have a shot at being a piece of the Commanders’ long-term plans, even in a minor role. He has the requisite size for the position and impressive athleticism, with guard-tackle versatility.

“Former N.C. State OL Tim McKay -- who was projected as a mid-round [pick] before tearing his pec at pro day -- is signing with the Commanders on a deal that includes $275,000 guaranteed,” Tom Pelissero wrote.

With so much uncertainty surrounding McKay’s recovery, it isn’t clear what his fate will be this summer. Missing extensive time – perhaps more than medically necessary – remains possible as a result of the PUP rules and the eventual roster crunch.