Turner vs. Thomas: Who's Commanders Starting TE?

Despite finally answering the quarterback question with Sam Howell, questions remain for the Washington Commanders offense. Namely, who is going to step up at tight end?

Logan Thomas has the most experience and is the most proven of the bunch, though he's recovering from a calf injury. Other tight ends vying for playing time in his absence and once he returns are Cole Turner and John Bates. 

"With Thomas' timeline still up in the air and a new face under center in Sam Howell, the new-look Commanders offense will need a tight end to emerge as a security blanket and a technically sound blocker," Bleacher Report writes.

While Bleacher Report tabbed Thomas as the team's starter, relying on him is a risky proposition, though he's the most proven of the bunch. Injuries have limited Thomas to just 20 games in the last two seasons. In that span, the eighth-year tight end has 57 catches for 519 receiving yards and four touchdowns. 

Bates, who is entering his third season as a pro, has 34 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns in his career. Turner only had two catches for 23 yards in his rookie season. The second-year tight end has made an impact through two preseason games with six catches for 55 yards. 

If Washington's offense is going to reach its full potential, they'll need someone among Thomas, Turner and Bates to step up. One doesn't need to look much further than Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to see how important the position is in Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's offense. 

While none of the three will put up that level of production, a reliable tight end for Howell to throw to would do wonders for the Commanders offense if it's going to improve this season.