Why Commanders sign William Bradley-King to active roster two days after cutting him from practice squad?

The Washington Commanders have put defensive end William Bradley-King through a ten-day whirlwind. After getting waived during final cuts on Aug. 29, Bradley-King got signed to the Commanders practice squad. However, he was released Wednesday to make room for wide receiver Jamison Crowder.

Two days later, Bradley-King signed back to the Commanders but for its 53-man active roster. Washington placed wide receiver Dax Milne on injured reserve and signed Bradley-King in a corresponding move.

The Commanders turned back to Bradley-King for a significant reason or two. Washington’s defensive line has been hit with a string of injuries, particularly at defensive end.

The Commanders are already without Efe Obada, who was placed on injured reserve to start the season. Star edge rusher Chase Young is questionable for Sunday’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals with a stinger. Young hasn’t been cleared by doctors for contact since suffering the injury in Washington’s first preseason game nearly a month ago.

Washington also listed defensive end James Smith-Williams as questionable for Week 1 with an oblique injury.

Young will meet with the doctor later Friday, hoping to get cleared. Washington could potentially be without two defensive ends on Sunday. Even if Young is cleared, he hasn’t had full contact in a month. He could face a limit on his snap count.

Washington is also light at defensive tackle. Last year’s second-round pick, defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, is on injured reserve and will miss at least four games to start the season.

Smith-Williams had lined up inside at defensive tackle in the absence of Mathis. Depth could be a problem along Washington’s defensive line. Bradley-King is familiar with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s system.

As for the Commanders, Bradley-King is an insurance policy to protect them against being without Young and/or Smith-Williams. For Bradley-King, he’s had a rollercoaster ride to ultimately landing on an NFL team’s 53-man roster.