Commanders UDFA emerges as depth chart danger without even practicing

Players got a chance to impress during the Washington Commanders' offseason program. But one undrafted free agent could disrupt the depth chart without logging a single practice.

That sounds strange to say, especially considering undrafted free agents typically start from the bottom and have to work their way up. Even so, looking at the current offensive line dynamic from a depth standpoint, there's nothing to suggest Tim McKay cannot force his way into the team's plans, provided he gets back from injury quicker than expected.

McKay would have heard his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft had it not been for a torn labrum suffered at North Carolina State's pro day. That was a crippling blow to the player's chances, but the Commanders moved swiftly to secure his services once the process concluded.

The Commanders and several others around the league were hot on McKay's trail when the undrafted free-agent frenzy commenced. Washington saw enough in the offensive lineman to give him $250,000 guaranteed on his rookie deal. This is in the upper echelons for UDFAs and represents a significant confidence boost ahead of his rehabilitation.

Not many backup linemen made a statement over Washington's offseason program. All the hype centered on Laremy Tunsil, Brandon Coleman, and rookie first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr., but someone from the fringes normally comes to the fore. That didn't happen, which keeps McKay's foot in the door if nothing else.

Much will depend on his recovery timeline. Torn labrums typically take anywhere from 2-to-6 months to heal depending on their severity. McKay will be striving with everything he has to get back quicker than expected, although starting the season on injured reserve remains the likeliest outcome.

McKay will be hoping it doesn't come to that. He'll have seen things unfold over early workouts. He'll also know that an opportunity awaits if he can prove his health and hit the ground running. It's a lot to ask, and returning too early increases the risk of the same injury reoccurring.

The Commanders aren't going to push McKay. They see something in the player, but time is on their side. If that means going to injured reserve before potentially coming onto the squad a little later in the campaign, that's fine.

But McKay will be aiming for higher. If he can return at some stage over training camp, and potentially shine whenever reps come his way during the preseason, it'll provoke a discussion before the final 53-man roster is confirmed.

That sounds optimistic, but McKay isn't lacking in motivation.

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