Washington Commanders tight end Armani Rogers suffers non-contact Achillies injury and is ‘expected to miss the season’
- Armani Rogers was expected to break-out in his second season playing TE
- He transitioned from playing quarterback in college at UNLV before last season
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The Washington Commanders have already been dealt a major injury blow ahead of the new season after second-year tight end Armani Rogers suffered a non-contact injury to his Achillies that is expected to see him miss the entire season.
Rodgers suffered the injury while running during OTAs on Tuesday, and it was further reported that by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that an MRI confirmed Rogers did in fact tear his Achillies and was planning to have surgery next week. The Commanders did not immediately respond to request for confirmation.
Those within Washington’s organization were expecting Rodgers to take a massive step in his development this season after converting to tight end from quarterback following his college career at UNLV.
‘It’s a blow,’ head coach Ron Rivera told reporters. ‘The young man really progressed well for us last year. But we feel confident in the group of tight ends.’
Rogers’ progression in terms of both his pass catching and pass blocking ability, combined with his superb athleticism.
Commanders tight end Armani Rogers suffered a non-contact Achillies injury in practice
He was poised for a breakout season after transition to tight end after playing QB in college
The team will still have veterans at the position in the form of Logan Thomas and John Bates to go along with young players such as 2022 fifth-round pick and undrafted free agent Curtis Hodges.
‘It sucks, it’s tough,’ Thomas said, ‘especially for a guy that played good football for us last year.’
It’s not like you can find a guy on the street right now that played a lot of football that can come in and do things he did with his speed and athleticism. It’s definitely a hit.’
Last Rodgers caught only five passes for 64 yards but missed six games due to various knee and ankle injuries.
The Commanders are also set to break in a new starting QB in Sam Howell this season, although Howell only featured in the final game of the season last year.
Despite playing together in the season finale Rogers and Howell did not combine to create any positive yardage in the game.