The Washington Commanders receive positive news on a hopeful undrafted rookie who was projected to be a mid-round pick in the draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Josh Taylor | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 11:29 AM ET

The Washington Commanders have remained healthy for training camp so far this offseason, and they're adding another player to practice who was previously on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.

The offensive line for the Commanders looks to be much improved this offseason, and they can get an extra boost from a young, hopeful undrafted rookie whom the Commanders spent some big money on.

Commanders activate Tim McKay

The team announced on Thursday morning before practice that OL Tim McKay will be activated, and he will be joining the team at practice. HC Dan Quinn spoke to the media before practice and said that they will start to ramp up McKay's practice time on the field. That's encouraging to hear for a player with high upside, as he gets the chance to learn the systems and participate in offseason workouts.

We have activated G Timothy McKay from the active/non-football injury list after passing his physical pic.twitter.com/TFJFbSjPPd
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 31, 2025

McKay is joining the team earlier than expected after tearing his pectoral muscle during his pro day as he was getting ready for the NFL draft. He was projected to be a fourth-round pick in the draft before the injury hurt his draft stock. There were a lot of teams that wanted to sign McKay after the draft, and the Commanders won the bidding war with a three-year, $2.99 million deal.

How the depth chart shakes up

Where does the McKay activation leave the Commanders' depth chart, and where would his biggest impact be? The Commanders lost Nate Herbig after he surprisingly announced his retirement on Tuesday, and McKay could fill right in for him. Herbig was projected to be a backup at either left or right guard, depending on how the rest of the line settled in for the season.

McKay has a ton of playing experience from NC State, where he played at both guard and tackle, which can help him find a valuable role in multiple spots. Last season, the Commanders needed some depth players to step in when injuries occurred, nd sometimes it didn't go as well as hoped.

GM Adam Peters went to work this offseason in adding better starters in the front five, which ultimately helped the depth of the offensive line as well. McKay can be one of those young pieces moving forward that can continue to develop and maximize his potential in Washington, wherever he ends up on the depth chart.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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