Commanders' young tight ends pushed into survival mode after preseason flop

Fans hoping to gain some clarity on the Washington Commanders' backup tight end race were in for disappointment against the Cincinnati Bengals. After some excellent running plays early on, the offense simply wasn’t on the field long enough to give most of its pass catchers a serious look.

Jayden Daniels did not throw a pass in his only series . Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman completed just 10 throws all night. It was a very poor performance across the board from the backup quarterback and the entire passing unit.

Tight ends were targeted on just two of the Commanders’ 19 pass attempts, and caught one ball.

Washington’s top two tight ends are set. Zach Ertz has yet to play this preseason, but no one doubts his ability or his rapport with Jayden Daniels.

Commanders tight end dynamic behind Zach Ertz and John Bates remains unclear

His counterpart, in-line blocker John Bates, showed why he is on the team in the first two series. He made several excellent blocks on chunk running plays. He is the closest thing Washington has had to the blocking stalwart of Washington’s Super Bowl teams, Don Warren, in many years.

After those starters, four tight ends are competing for either one or two remaining spots.

One of the more concerning things this preseason has been just how invisible Ben Sinnott has been. The 2024 second-round pick was expected to develop into a versatile weapon for this offense, but thus far, he has done nothing.

Sinnott made a fine block on Washington’s first play from scrimmage, helping spring Deebo Samuel Sr. for a big gain. But after that, he was not heard from again.

His only target came on a third down in the second quarter when he could not gain any separation. Hartman, who was inaccurate again, could not connect, and the Commanders were forced to punt.

This was especially noticeable when stacked up against how Bengals veteran reserve Tanner Hudson routinely used his size advantage to make plays. Sinnott looks slow and somewhat tentative on offense and has shown none of the dynamic playmaking ability for which he was drafted.

The only Washington tight end to make a catch was Cole Turner, who has largely been a forgotten man in D.C. He is one of the few remaining draft picks from the Ron Rivera era. Until recently, his chances of being anyt hing more than a practice squad member seemed dim.

He remains a long shot, but at least Turner showed the ability to get open and make a catch. He is not nearly the blocker that Bates is, but he turned in some decent efforts when asked to make blocks. And he was active on special teams as well.

Special teams play may have saved a sinking Colson Yankoff as well. The second-year man did not get the chance to do much of anything on offense, but he was one of the Commanders' best special teamers.

That is crucial because he looked overwhelmed and overpowered at times against the New England Patriots. Yankoff came out with much more energy, playing as though his roster spot was at stake. It probably was.

On one punt coverage play, Yankoff and Turner converged to make the tackle, showing much more competitive energy than had been on display in New England.

Washington’s other tight end, Lawrence Cager, got on the field for a few plays late and made no impact.

It’s hard to imagine that Sinnott’s roster spot could be in jeopardy at this point. He just needs to start asserting himself. As long as Ertz is playing at a high level, the Commanders can afford to wait a while longer on the former Kansas State star. But their patience will not be unlimited.

As for Yankoff, Turner, and Cager, they simply need to show they can sustain the energy level each has displayed this preseason. Any let-up at this point could put them in jeopardy.

No law says the Commanders must keep four tight ends. If none of them prove they can be consistent playmakers, be it on offense or special teams, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn will find other position players who can.

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