Chig Okonkwo: Not playing Friday
Okonkwo isn't slated to suit up for Friday's preseason contest against the Dolphins. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update
TE · WAS · 26 yrs · exp 4 · Maryland
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Latest: Sep 7, 2026 · 3,032
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Okonkwo isn't slated to suit up for Friday's preseason contest against the Dolphins. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update
Gunnar Helm may lose snaps to Daniel Bellinger in Tennessee Titans' offense
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs got his first chance to work with the Commanders on Friday and his new teammates made a good first impression on him. Diggs said at a press conference that quarterback Jayden Daniels is a “superstar” and that wideout Terry McLaurin is a “hell of a player, playmaker” before moving on to other members of the club. He singled out rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams as a player who jumped out at him and mentioned tight end Chig Okonkwo as well while saying that he expects the offense to be a difficult one for teams to stop. “It’s good being around other players that can ball,” Diggs said. “It’s going to be hard to double somebody in this offense. You’ve got guys that can make plays and guys that can make plays out of the backfield. You’ve got a mobile quarterback. The biggest thing for me is just my commitment to the game. I play outside, I play inside, a little bit of the backfield if they let me.” In addition to feeling like he can bring a lot to the Commanders on the field, Diggs also said he plans to be a “beacon of light” as a leader who brings energy and a “dog mindset” to his new team. After a disappointing 2025, the Commanders will welcome a player and leader who can help them climb back up the standings this fall
Dan Quinn and Washington Commanders players talk to the media on the fourth day of training camp
What will David Blough’s offense look like this year using TEs Chigoziem Okonkwo, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott?
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn had interesting comments about Commanders cornerbacks, Chig Okonkwo, Jayden Daniels and more
In fantasy football, the tight end position divides managers into two groups: the haves and have-nots. There are always a few that separate themselves from the others in any given season, but most relevant tight ends stay within a few points per game of one another. Having one in the latter group is fine if you paid less for them. Here, I’ve got five tight ends deserving of your attention who can enter that group at a low price point and see their value (and pricing) increase beginning in 2026. Chigoziem Okonkwo looked like he might be the next great playmaker at the position when he flashed at the end of his rookie season in Tennessee. In his last six games of that campaign, Okonkwo scored at least 10 PPR points in four of them. He showed explosiveness few tight ends possess, giving fantasy managers dreams of what he could become. Okonkwo’s role increased in his second season, but not nearly to what we’d hoped it would. His last three seasons with the Titans were nearly identical, scoring between 6.7 and 7.9 PPR PPG with similar counting stats in each. Chig Okonkwo cannot be stopped! NOvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+ https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/vrs4HBP8yx — NFL (@NFL) December 28, 2025 With his rookie contract up, the team let Okonkwo walk, and he signed with the Commanders for a quality contract of $27 million over three years. With the Commanders, Okonkwo will now be playing with one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, Jayden Daniels , and could become their second option in the passing game after Terry McLaurin , as Washington doesn’t have much for pass catchers. Okonkwo isn’t only set up to be a value; he could be a league winner in 2026. Okonkwo’s former teammate, Gunnar Helm , now has a nice opportunity in front of him. The Titans have room for multiple receivers to gain opportunities. They drafted Carnell Tate and signed Wan’Dale Robinson and Daniel Bellinger , but Helm could earn enough to be worthwhile. Tate will be the de facto No. 1 as a downfield threat, leaving room underneath. Robinson should be next in line, but Helm could be the clear third. Bellinger was signed because he has familiarity with the Brian Daboll offense and is more of an in-line blocker anyway. We prefer our tight ends to be a top-two target on their team, but Helm also has a couple of factors working in his direction. One is that the Titans are likely to be playing from behind often, forcing the offense to pass a lot. More pass attempts mean Helm needs less of a designed role to find value. Second, Helm is so inexpensive currently that even a streaming-tight-end-level performance would be a win for him. Helm doesn’t have a great ceiling; however, he can provide value to fantasy teams at rock-bottom cost and see his dynasty value rise this season. A favorite sleeper of many fantasy managers since he entered the NFL, Greg Dulcich has only disappointed since his rookie season. In his first year, he surprised by averaging 8.6 PPR PPG, 17th at his position, in the 10 games he played. Dulcich had some intriguing metrics coming out of college (UCLA), so combined with his rookie season, many were rightfully excited. Instead, Dulcich battled injuries, struggled to get on the field, bounced around teams, and finally landed in Miami in 2025. He played sparingly, beginning the season on the practice squad until Week 8, but was targeted at a high rate once on the field. Ewers over the middle to Dulcich for the TD! How good has Dulcich been? pic.twitter.com/JCjxapysk5 — Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) December 28, 2025 This offseason, the Dolphins re-signed the All-Pac 12 Bruin on a small $3.25 million, one-year contract. That money doesn’t get you excited for Dulcich, but the lack of weapons around him does. The Dolphins easily have the worst cast of pass catchers in the NFL. He’ll be battling the likes of Malik Washington , Jalen Tolbert , Tutu Atwell , and two rookies in Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas . None of them project enough [... truncated ...]
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy! ESPN 2026 outlook: Overhaul will keep Commanders competitive In a competitive division and facing a brutal schedule, this reinvented squad will likely struggle to hit double-digit victories, but they should manage at least eight wins. — Liz Loza Best bet: Terry McLaurin receiving yards OVER 949.5 (-110) Prior to missing seven games because of a quad injury, McLaurin had cleared 1,000 receiving yards for five consecutive campaigns from 2020-24. He managed those numbers largely in substandard environments with a truly unique mélange of passers under center. Even during last year’s slump, his 58.2 yards per game would have translated to a 989-yard season over a full, healthy campaign. Back at 100 percent, McLaurin enters Year 2 of his contract extension primed to bounce back as the lead receiver in Washington’s revamped aerial attack. — Loza To read more of this article, CLICK HERE Commanders Wire Peters said at Washington’s season-ending press conference that his goal over the offseason was to make the Commanders “younger and faster” in 2026. Mission accomplished. This isn’t to disparage those no longer on the roster, but Washington got much faster. The additions of edge rushers K’Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh , alongside linebackers Styles and Leo Chenal , should transform Washington’s defense from one of the slowest to one of the fastest. Offensively, a healthy Daniels and McLaurin are back, and the Commanders added tight end Chig Okonkwo, who is dynamic after the catch. The additions of Williams and Brown should boost the speed at the wide receiver position. It was far too obvious at times, specifically on defense, that Washington’s opponents were significantly faster. That will no longer be the case. To read more of this article, CLICK HERE Last Man Standig 19 — Nick Nash, WR Nash is one of the more intriguing roster long shots. The former college quarterback erupted for 16 touchdowns and nearly 1,400 receiving yards with San Diego State in his second season at the position, yet entered the NFL as a 26-year-old rookie after going undrafted. Nash has an opportunity to make a favorable impression for the practice squad or future consideration. 40 — Quentin Moore, TE The 6-foot-4, 244-pound UDFA tight end with 4.63 speed caught only 13 passes over four seasons with the Washington Huskies. That injuries limited Moore to 12 games is the real note here. This feels like a practice squad stash candidate if there’s enough potential demonstrated. 46 — Anthony Firkser , TE It’s been four years since Firkser had back-to-back seasons with 30-plus receptions. At 31, this FB/TE hybrid is around for camp depth, and his experience should injuries strike the position. 62 — Tanoa Togiai, G The University of Utah product satisfies the athletic thresholds Washington seeks under general manager Adam Peters. Togiai moves well for a 6-foot-6, 321-pound guard. Seems like a worthy dart throw at a position at which maximizing depth never goes out of style. For more from Ben Standig, click here The Athletic (paywall) Reached by text message on Friday, Aiyuk replied, “AP and DQ (Dan Quinn) quietly put together a SQAUD! I’m the final peice that will swing all the odds in our favor (trophy emoji) #GOCOMMANDERS #RAISEHAIL.” Prior to Aiyuk’s comments on social media, multiple sources with knowledge of the Commanders’ thinking said the team viewed him as a player who could potentially boost its roster if he became available and he was confirmed to be in full health. Those sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they do not have permission to speak publicly on the matter, said at the time that the Commanders had no intention of trading for Aiyuk, and that if the 49ers released him, Washingt [... truncated ...]
Chicago/MSU League trade — RBs - WE HAVE THE MEATS received: Mason Taylor and Tyjae Spears. Dont Mean A Thing 💍 received: Chig Okonkwo and 2027 4th round pick
Also today: Leo Chenal, Jaden Bradley, Tyler Owens, Frankie Luvu, Josh Conerly and a too-early 53-man roster projection
The author identifies Ben Sinnott and Johnny Newton as potential breakout players for the 2026 Commanders. Sinnott, a tight end, is expected to see increased usage and production in the new David Blough offense, leveraging his abilities after the catch. Newton, a defensive player, is highlighted for his disruptive potential based on his college performance
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy! Commanders.com For the “Good Morning Football” crew, their focus is on one of the Commanders’ main offseason goals: getting the ground attack more involved in the game plan. “People have to remember that the Washington Commanders ran the ball pretty well last year,” said analyst and former offensive guard Willie Colon. “Their record was bad, but they got after it up front.” Although the Commanders’ offense regressed in 2025, largely because of the injuries to Jayden Daniels , Terry McLaurin and other key contributors, their run game remained one of the best in the league. They were fourth in yards per game, fifth in yards per attempt and eighth in rushing first downs per game. Jacory Croskey-Merritt , who paced the team with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries, led the league in success rate — a stat used by Pro Football Reference based on the ability to gain required yardage on downs — at 53.7%. To read more of this article, CLICK HERE A to Z Sports Can Rasul Douglas provide answers at cornerback? Douglas could end up being one of the bigger steals of the offseason. Trey Amos is expected to be ready for training camp but is still coming back from last year’s bad injury. Mike Sainristill and Amik Robinson are both coming off rough 2025 seasons, and there’s no starting-quality depth behind them. Douglas’ addition creates instant competition on the outside, and he can also play inside if needed. He’s got to show that his strong 2025 season can carry over into 2026 and the Commanders secondary will be in much better shape if he does just that. How long will it take the front seven to establish itself? The Commanders totally retooled the front seven, and on paper it looks pretty sick. Odafe Oweh and K’Lavonn Chaisson appear to be entering the prime of their careers and should represent an upgrade at the EDGE position. Up front, Daron Payne should be motivated in a contract year, Tim Settle has always been underrated, and Javon Kinlaw was good in Year 1 with the Commanders. At linebacker, Washington arguably has the NFL’s strongest rotation in Sonny Styles , Leo Chenal , Frankie Luvu , and Jordan Magee . This group has to be the driving force on defense and can’t slow-walk its development whatsoever. To read more of this article, CLICK HERE Heavy.com Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports …made a compelling case for why the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers back can eventually replace Croskey-Merritt. The most interesting note from Easterling’s take on White is the statement the 27-year-old left Tampa because he’s “seeking a bigger role.” It means White is unlikely to embrace the running back by committee approach the Commanders appear to have built this offseason. That makes sense after White found himself usurped with the Bucs by second-year pro Bucky Irving . White still tallied 132 rushing attempts and 40 receptions, but if he’s wanting more, that means the 6-foot, 214-pounder has his sights set on the lead-back role in Washington. Winning the job won’t be easy when there’s so much competition , but White has already made a strong start . A positive first impression only adds to White’s case to be the Commanders’ go-to back. A case boosted not just by his receiving skills, bur also by the natural vision and patience to thrive in the zone-based running schemes new offensive coordinator David Blough is likely to employ. To read more of this article, CLICK HERE Riggo’s Rag Quentin Moore – Commanders TE The Commanders are expected to utilize the tight end position more under new offensive coordinator David Blough. They also have the options needed to ensure his schematic switch goes smoothly. With Zach Ertz no longer around, the Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo to a three-ye [... truncated ...]
After a high-profile contract disagreement that led to him missing most of last summer, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had his 2025 season derailed by quad and core injuries that caused him to miss seven games. The veteran wideout remained a productive player when healthy, recording 38 catches for 582 yards and three touchdowns on 60 targets across 10 games. McLaurin also has a long track record of being one of the most durable pass-catchers in the NFL, playing in 17 games in four consecutive seasons leading into 2025. McLaurin is now entering his age-31 campaign, which leads to some obvious concerns about age-related regression. However, he should have the benefit of a fully healthy offseason leading into 2026. McLaurin also profiles as the obvious number one option in the Commanders' passing game, and he'll have a chance to renew his chemistry with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels after the two shared the field for just three games last season. As the WR24 by current redraft ADP, McLaurin could end up as a value selection for fantasy managers
A first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2022, current Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks was never able to live up to his draft-day pedigree in Tennessee. However, the 26-year-old could have a second chance to establish an NFL career in Washington. After latching on with the Commanders midway through the 2025 season, Burks recorded 10 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets across eight games (three starts). While Burks' numbers do not leap off the page, Washington does not currently have an obvious WR2 behind star wideout Terry McLaurin. Health has been one of the main reasons why Burks has struggled as a pro, as he's missed 33 games across four seasons due to toe, knee, concussion, and collarbone issues. If he can stay on the field in 2026, Burks could establish a role in Washington going forward. Dynasty managers in deeper league formats may be wise to take a low-cost flyer on Burks
Wide receiver Treylon Burks never could live up to his first-round potential when the Tennessee Titans took him 18th overall in 2022 out of the University of Arkansas, as he caught 53 of 92 targets for 699 yards and only one touchdown in 27 games (17 starts) in his first three years in the league. The Titans eventually released the 26-year-old, and the Washington Commanders took a flier on him as they searched for WR depth behind Terry McLaurin. Burks had only 10 catches for 130 yards and one touchdown on 22 targets in eight games (three starts) in his first year in D.C. in 2025, but there were flashes of why he was considered a first-round target. Deebo Samuel Sr. won't be back in free agency, and the Commanders are still searching for depth behind McLaurin. Might Burks be that guy? NFL.com's Nick Shook suggests that a full offseason of stability could serve Burks well as he heads into Year 2 in Washington. If the Commanders don't add a big name at WR before the start of the 2026 season, Burks might be the best bet to emerge as the WR2 behind McLaurin
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy! CBS Sports 8. Washington Commanders General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn microwaved their initial roster with veterans such as Bobby Wagner , Dorance Armstrong , Austin Ekeler and others, but the team is transitioning. The defensive front was a point of emphasis as the team brought in Odafe Oweh , K’Lavon Chaisson , Leo Chenal , first-round pick Sonny Styles , fifth-round pick Joshua Josephs and others. Cornerback Amik Robertson and safety Nick Cross were good additions to the secondary. Third-round wide receiver Antonio Williams and tight end Chig Okonkwo should be immediate impact performers in the pass game. Sports Illustrated Sonny Styles, LB, Washington Commanders The Washington Commanders haven’t re-signed future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner this offseason. They essentially replaced him by drafting Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall . If Styles is about to play the Wagner role in a Dan Quinn-coached defense, then he should be the overwhelming favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Commanders.com Key questions What does the run game look like without Kenneth Walker ? The Seahawks’ run game wasn’t a top 10 group in 2025, but it did help keep the offense moving, particularly in the second half of the season and the playoffs. They rushed for at least 100 yards in eight of their last nine regular season games and 391 total yards in the postseason. Most of their playoff success came from Walker, who rushed for 313 yards in three games, including 135 in the Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots . The performance earned him a Super Bowl MVP, and it quickly became clear that Walker was moving on in the offseason. The Seahawks appear poised to give more responsibility to Charbonnet , who led the team in rushing touchdowns, but they also want to keep a committee approach with the additions of Pierce and Wilson. Defensive teams tend to run the ball more, and that was the case with the Seahawks, who ranked fourth in total rushing attempts. However, they clearly want to get more explosive on the ground and believe the trio of Charbonnet, Pierce and Wilson can achieve that. Can the defense remain elite? The Seahawks had one of the most suffocating defenses in the league last year under head coach Mike Macdonald. Though some areas were better than others, they were solid at every level and allowed the fewest points per game in the NFL. Nick Emmanwori was a game-changer at safety, and veterans like Demarcus Lawrence and Williams helped invigorate the team’s pass-rush. There are several foundational pieces still on the roster, but like every Super Bowl team, their overall personnel will look drastically different in the upcoming season. Boye Mafe is gone, as is cornerback Riq Woolen and safety Coby Bryant . The Seahawks are banking on newcomers like Igbinoghene, Jobe and Bell to help maintain the high standards the unit set in 2025. Defensive performances don’t always carry over year to year, but the Seahawks have done enough to earn the benefit of the doubt. Bleacher Report Jayden Daniels – ADP: QB4, 66th Overall Jayden Daniels’ first two seasons have been polar opposites. The first was outstanding—over 3,500 passing yards, 25 passing scores, the second-most rushing yards among quarterbacks in the league (891) and top-five fantasy numbers. Last year, however, was far different. Daniels’ per-game passing numbers fell precipitously just about across the board and Daniels played in just seven games due to knee and elbow injuries. As SI’s Jeff Salcedo wrote , injuries aren’t the only concern with Daniels in 2026. “ Injuries don’t tell the whole story for Daniels as a sophomore slump and a new offensive coordinator may put Daniels in another potential bust sea [... truncated ...]
Tight end Chig Okonkwo signed with the Commanders after posting 162 catches for the Titans the last three seasons and he believes the move is going to be a fruitful one for him. While Okonkwo was productive in Tennessee, he’s already found “so many more opportunities I’ve had to just run different things” since joining the Commanders and thinks that the offense being put together by offensive coordinator David Blough will allow him to showcase “my true talents and abilities.” “I feel like this is the place where I can finally just unleash ,” Okonkwo said, via the team’s website. Jayden Daniels made frequent use of Zach Ertz as a target during the 2024 season, so he’s no stranger to throwing to tight ends and it sounds like the expectation in Washington will be for more of the same despite the change in play callers since the end of the 2025 campaign
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy! JP Finlay A new offense and new defense means the work doesn’t stop for Washington during the NFL break Rookie WR Antonio Williams knows how to get separation. He has a chance for a real role in this offense, as does Treylon Burks . The former first-rounder just needs to stay healthy, something he’s been unable to do so far in his NFL career. Burks did tell me this year feels like a fresh start. Quinn also went out of his way to salute the strong summers for veterans Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson . Quick note on Henry – he’s wearing the 30 jersey and when he’s on the field looks a bit like Austin Ekeler . He’s my early pick for preseason leader in rush yards (which does not mean a roster spot but is a silly prediction game we play on the Beltway Football podcast). Ben Sinnott and Chig Okonkwo had strong offseasons. David Blough ’s offense is going to offer more verticality for the tight end position and expect both to be able to show their athleticism. Okonkwo will be the lead dog at the position but Sinnott might finally be able to prove why he was a Top 100 pick. Connerly looks bigger and with broader shoulders than his rookie season. Still the single moment that stood out for me came from the conclusion of minicamp practices when the entire team ran a series of short sprints. [Laremy] Tunsil – the five-time Pro Bowler going into his 11th season and with career earnings of well over $100 million – was grinding out the June sprints. Actions not words. I stood on the sideline watching practice with former Redskins RB Ricky Ervins and Commanders team president Mark Clouse . Ervins told a story about the first time he played at RFK and saw the stands bouncing and explained the scene nearly drove him to tears. He asked Clouse if the bounding seats would be re-created at the new stadium, and the team prez explained that it would for a portion of the seats. It was a cool moment of the past meeting the future, something the organization is trying to do and something the fan base desperately wants. The Athletic (paywall) The line will do a lot of zone blocking Quinn said repeatedly during these nonpadded workouts that it’s hard to get real evaluations on offensive linemen in the spring because so much of the job revolves around physicality. What we do know: The offensive line will use a primarily zone-blocking scheme reminiscent of the one Mike Shanahan employed in Washington from 2010 through 2013 — a system he perfected in Denver in the 1990s. Zone blocking in the run game is exactly as it sounds: Offensive linemen block an area rather than a man. It requires linemen to be athletic and on the move, and results in a lot of double-teams on defensive linemen. “Under-center snaps with some wide zone — with some pulling — I’ve done it before,” said Nick Allegretti , who is moving from guard to center. “But it’s gonna be a bigger part of the bulk of that offense. I’m just getting out in space.” Because there was no tackling during these workouts, any long rushing touchdown was kind of fake. But during one workout last week, Allegretti and guard Sam Cosmi celebrated a supposed score by jumping on each other because they had pulled and led a running back into the end zone some 25 yards downfield — just how Blough drew it up. Heavy.com There was a time, just 2 years ago, when running back Rachaad White saw his value skyrocket to the point he was being talked about as a player who might reset the market for his position. Before the 2024 season, after he put up over 1,500 yards of total offense in 2023, White’s value on the open market was thought to be approaching $10 million per season. Before the 2025 season, and even after losing his starting job on the Buccaneers to rookie Bucky Irving , [... truncated ...]
Dyami Brown's return to the Commanders makes him a dynasty drop candidate due to the team's improved depth at wide receiver
by Ari Koslow | Commanders Correspondent | Wed, Jun 17th 2:33am EDT Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to practice during mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. ( Josh Taylor on Twitter ) Fantasy Impact: Croskey-Merritt was sidelined to end voluntary OTAs. He figures to be part of a committee in the Commanders backfield heading into this season. Sounds like Bill Croskey-Merritt will be practicing at mandatory minicamp today. Wasn’t listed on DQ’s players that are out (which included Trey Amos). Gotta see how much work Bill gets the next 3 days. #Commanders Category: Injury Updates | More Jacory Croskey-Merritt : News , Rankings , Projections , Stats
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