Commanders unveil special-teams personnel twist that could change everything

While the Washington Commanders won't be revealing all their secrets at training camp, there are always subtle clues that emerge. And the first padded practice saw the unveiling of a bold special-teams personnel wrinkle that is worth keeping an eye on.

The Commanders have some dynamic young players to take over kick and punt return duties this season. Jayline Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt will fancy their chances of earning special-teams reps. Former undrafted free agent Kazmeir Allen is another option, although his chances of making the 53-man roster look bleak.

Special teams coordinator Larry Izzo tried something different on Monday. According to team writer Zach Selby, wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and running back Austin Ekeler were deployed as the kick return duo. Both are more than capable of making an impact in this key discipline, but it remains to be seen whether these tasks will be given when competitive action begins.

Commanders could use Austin Ekeler and Deebo Samuel as their kick return tandem in 2025, but they shouldn't

It's not a bad option for the Commanders to have. It could even be potentially dominant based on the track records of Ekeler and Samuel in the biggest moments.

However, there are risks attached.

Ekeler earned second-team All-Pro honors as a kick returner last season, his first with the Commanders. That's an undoubted positive, but the veteran also sustained serious concussion issues that threw his playoff participation into doubt at one stage.

The former Western Colorado standout got the all-clear to resume his career. Even so, there's just no telling what another big hit will do to Ekeler's status, so taking return duties away from him is the best way to minimize risk.

Samuel was acquired this offseason via trade from the San Francisco 49ers. He's taken some unfair criticism since the move, but the wide receiver showed up in tremendous shape and ready to silence his doubters. His primary objective will be to assist on offense. Using him in the return game isn't exactly the best way to keep him fresh.

Much will depend on the situation, but the Commanders have other possibilities to pick up the slack. This leaves Samuel and Ekeler firmly focused on their offensive duties as both look to make a considerable impact within Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts.

If the game is on the line and the Commanders need a little bit of magic, perhaps Ekeler and Samuel could be utilized as kick returners. But the risks outweigh the rewards in terms of implementing this frequently.

Still, it's something for fans to monitor if nothing else.

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