NFC East news: Washington’s joint practice with Miami created plenty of excitement
Washington Commanders Notebook: Defense Gets After Dolphins and Daniels Throws 2 INTs – David Harrison, Sports Illustrated
The Commanders held an eventful practice with the Dolphins.
MIAMI – The Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins conducted their joint practice ahead of their upcoming preseason game on Saturday night, and it was quite eventful for both sides.
On a down note, the Commanders lost undrafted free agent linebacker Bo Bauer to what appeared to be a leg injury and he had to be carted off the field but was seen later walking under his own power. We’ll keep an eye out for news on that, and hope for the best for Bauer, but it did not look good initially.
Washington also saw rookie quarterback throw two interceptions in team drills, his second and third of the training camp/preseason period, in what is a much less important note, yet important enough to provide context on – so that’s where we’ll start our notebook.
EVEN MATCHUP
The Commanders defense didn’t get any takeaways unfortunately, but they did wreak havoc in the Dolphins backfield.
Specifically, Washington defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen along with defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. were consistent presences around the Miami quarterbacks. Even former Dolphins cornerback Noah Igbinoghene got in on the action.
It was a good day for the defensive front and not a terrible one for the secondary who gave up one explosive play to receiver Tyreek Hill, but it was a much better outing than what we saw last week against the New York Jets.
PLAY OF THE DAY
The Play of the Day for the Commanders came early in the first team set – a red zone scenario. Daniels threw five touchdown passes during the period, but the best may have been his toss to receiver Jamison Crowder in the near right corner of the end zone.
Giants roster news: TE/FB Jakob Johnson signed; Tyree Jackson waived/injured – Nick Falato, BigBlueView.com
New York signed a player from the International Player Pathway Program.
The New York Giants signed former Las Vegas Raiders tight end/fullback Jakob Johnson and waived/injured tight end Tyree Jackson in a corresponding move on Friday.
Johnson went undrafted out of Tennessee in 2019. He spent three years in New England and followed Josh McDaniels to Las Vegas in 2022. He has played in 1,241 career offensive snaps and 668 special teams snaps.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound back worked with Carmen Bricillio, Jermaine Eluemunor, and Greg Van Roten last season. Johnson is an old-school fullback type of “tight-end,” a role currently occupied by Daniel Bellinger on the roster. Johnson has 19 catches on 25 targets for 105 yards and a touchdown in his career.
There’s been a lot of movement in the Giants tight end room. Lawrence Cager injured a hamstring, returned, and then injured his groin, and this signing could indicate that his injury may lead to an extended absence. It’s also noteworthy that Jack Stoll returned to practice last week and has looked solid in drills.
Johnson is a native of Stuttgart, Germany, and signed with the Patriots through the NFL International Player Pathway Program. He became the first player in the program to score a touchdown in Week 2 of the 2020 season. Johnson played for the Stuttgart Scorpions of the German Football League before moving to Jacksonville, Florida.
Johnson played just one year of high school football before becoming a Tennessee Volunteer. He then returned to Stuttgart to play for the Scorpions in 2018. If Johnson makes the roster, he’ll return to Germany when the Giants play the Carolina Panthers at Allianz Arena in Munich on November 10th.
Eagles’ Nick Sirianni: Kenny Pickett is our No. 2 QB – Kevin Patra, NFL.com
The depth chart behind Jalen Hurts has been decided.
Philadelphia Eagles third-string quarterback Tanner McKee impressed once again in a preseason outing.
On the face of it, Thursday’s performance from McKee in a 14-13 win over New England should put pressure on Kenny Pickett for the backup job. However, head coach Nick Sirianni reiterated after the game that Pickett remains the backup behind Jalen Hurts.
“You saw where they went in today. Kenny is No. 2 and Tanner is our No. 3, and I am really happy they’re both on the roster,” Sirianni told reporters, via the game’s official transcript.
With Hurts and the offensive starters sitting, Pickett again got the preseason start. The former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback went 11 of 13 for 67 yards — 5.2 YPA — while taking four sacks. Philly scored three points on five first-half drives with Pickett under center.
“I thought they both did some good things today,” Sirianni said. “I think, you know, Kenny was what, 11 of 13? Ball only hit the ground twice. He had some pressure on him. Tanner played well. I think he was 15 of 19 today, but made some good throws. I thought Will did some good things. I’m happy they’re all on the roster right now. I really am. That’s good room and they’re all helping Jalen, helping each other, and I love that. So really is a good room.