A look at the Commanders tight ends

Three seasons ago, the Washington Commanders had the worst tight end situation in the NFL. Once veteran Vernon Davis went down with an injury early in the season, Washington’s top tight end was Jeremy Sprinkle.

Sprinkle caught 26 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown. As a team, Washington’s tight ends combined for 44 receptions, 467 yards, and three touchdowns.

Heading into the 2020 offseason, finding a tight end was a priority for Washington. Yet, the team’s most significant move at tight end was signing former college quarterback Logan Thomas, who had only been playing tight end since Nov. 2017. Thomas was coming off a career-high 16 receptions for 173 in 2019.

All Thomas did was establish new career-highs across the board, finishing with 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns, earning a three-year extension in 2021.

Unfortunately, Thomas tore his ACL last December. However, he is on track to return early in the 2022 season.

So, how do Washington’s tight ends look in 2022? We continue our training camp preview by looking at the Commanders’ tight ends.

The names

John Bates (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Logan Thomas
John Bates
Cole Turner
Sammis Reyes
Antonio Gandy-Golden
Armani Rogers
Curtis Hodges

Roster locks

Washington Commanders tight end Cole Turner (85) runs with the ball during day one of minicamp at The Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas
Bates
Turner

I would expect Thomas to open training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. However, there is optimism he will be ready for Week 1. Bates, a fourth-round pick last year, shined as a rookie last season. Bates proved to be a good blocker and showed potential as a receiver. Turner is a rookie with big-time potential.

On the bubble

Washington Commanders wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (18). (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Gandy-Golden
Rogers
Hodges
Reyes

Gandy-Golden is in his first training camp at tight end. Coaches praised him this offseason and would like to develop him. However, the numbers are tight, and he could be a candidate for the practice squad again.

Reyes and Hodges are intriguing prospects. Reyes is in his second year as a football player and looks the part. There is a reason he is still around. Coaches love his combination of size, strength, athleticism and toughness.

Don’t be surprised if Hodges opens eyes this…