Sam Cosmi's Return to Practice Gives Commanders Fans Hope Amid Injury Woes
Amid all the injury problems currently being navigated by the Washington Commanders, there have been a couple of positive developments in recent days.
Superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels will be back under center in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers, albeit with a knee brace on. Sam Cosmi's recovery was much longer after tearing his ACL, but he's now returned to practice after the Commanders officially activated his 21-day window.
This is a significant boost for an interior offensive line that has been inconsistent to start the campaign. Cosmi didn't travel to Los Angeles as expected, but it won't be much longer before the former Texas standout is back in the lineup.
Sam Cosmi credits Commanders' brotherhood as injury return nears
Cosmi credited the brotherhood within the locker room as an inspiration to get back quicker than most anticipated. It's a step-by-step process, but the right guard is confident that there will be no further issues, and he can make a lasting contribution once his conditioning improves.
We still have a really special team, and so the brotherhood here is still very strong and alive. So, I can't wait to get back on the field with my guys. This has allowed me to really have another level of passion for the game. I still gotta get into football shape a little bit. Working out…pushing myself on the field, the contact, the physicality, the demand of that alone. I gotta get a couple practices underneath my belt. So, just doing that will help a lot, too. I really…appreciate this game, because it can really be taken away from you in a split second.Sam Cosmi via Commanders.com
This is precisely what Commanders fans wanted to hear. Cosmi is a cornerstone piece. He's one of the league's most underrated interior linemen, but Washington knows how integral he is to the team's future success. It's been a long time coming, but the signs are pointing up at long last.
The Commanders have taken every possible precaution with Cosmi, and rightfully so. He's getting close, and head coach Dan Quinn lauded his work ethic in overcoming this major stumbling block. It spoke volumes about his inner resolve, which will only help Washington when he gets the all-clear to suit up on Sundays.
Everyone knows how good Cosmi is. He's been sorely missed, so his impending return is going to give players and coaches a lift. And looking at how bullish the 2021 second-round pick appears after a long recovery, it would be a shock if he didn't pick up right where he left off.
Shedeur Sanders Set to Make Browns Debut - Cleveland’s New Era Begins!
The Browns' quarterback situation continues to evolve as the team carefully plans its next move for the future under center.
The Cleveland Browns have officially turned the page at quarterback. Cleveland has benched veteran Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. However, another young signal-caller continues to generate significant attention within the organization. Fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, who is expected to play at some point this season once fully prepared.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns plan to give Sanders his opportunity only after he completes a full week of practice with a game plan specifically designed to match his strengths. The decision reflects Cleveland’s cautious approach to developing the former Colorado star. Sanders entered the league with both elite collegiate production and immense expectations as the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders.
However, after each practice, Sanders reportedly puts in extra work with fellow reserves. He's focused on refining his mechanics and command of the offense. One team source shared that “his development happens every day,” though Gabriel has remained ahead of him since training camp. The Browns believe throwing Sanders into live action without a proper system built around him would be unfair and could hinder his long-term growth.
It's a matter of when, not if, for the Browns and Shedeur Sanders
While Sanders has yet to take a snap, he remains a compelling part of Cleveland’s plans. He made headlines earlier this month for miming his way through a locker room media session following criticism over comments comparing himself to current NFL starters. Behind the antics lies a player eager to prove himself.
Sanders was one of college football’s most efficient passers last season. He completed 74% of his attempts for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Despite taking 94 sacks over his final two years at Colorado, he left with the highest career completion percentage in FBS history at 71.8%.
With Deshaun Watson on injured reserve and the Browns evaluating multiple young quarterbacks, it seems only a matter of time before Sanders takes the field. Cleveland’s staff believes that when the moment arrives, the game plan and Sanders will be ready.
