NFL

Commanders Camp Day 5: Witherspoon Retires, Moreau Returns, and Four Players Shine

Commanders Camp Day 5: Witherspoon Retires, Moreau Returns, and Four Players Shine

The Washington Commanders kicked off their fifth training camp session with an unexpected development as veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon announced his retirement, leading to his placement on the reserve/retired list. In a corresponding roster move, the team inked cornerback Fabian Moreau, a familiar face to the franchise.

Moreau, a third-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft out of UCLA, spent his initial four professional seasons with the Redskins/Football Team before moving on. Interestingly, Witherspoon was also a third-round pick in that same draft class, and both players are entering their 10th NFL season in 2026. Moreau immediately joined the Commanders on the practice field.

On the field, quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered another standout performance, showcasing increasing comfort and command in his third year. The offense faced constant pressure from the defense, particularly from Odafe Oweh, but Daniels managed the pocket well, avoiding sacks and making crisp throws. His accuracy was notable, with only two incompletions during the session: one throwaway in a two-minute drill and a drop by a receiver on a difficult catchable ball.

Key Analysis

Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey had his best day of camp, making several plays including a long touchdown—the only score by the first-team offense. His versatility was on display as he lined up in multiple positions, boosting his value for the regular season. Edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson continued his strong camp, following a solid padded practice on Monday with another impressive performance on Tuesday. Chaisson's ability to pressure the quarterback and defend the run was evident, making him a physical force that stands out once the pads come on.

In the kicking competition, undrafted rookie Drew Stevens made a significant statement by converting all six field goal attempts, including kicks from 49 and 56 yards, while incumbent Jake Moody missed two kicks after being perfect earlier in camp. Stevens' performance on Tuesday built on his Monday showing and could make the battle for the kicking job even more competitive as the preseason progresses.

Originally reported by yahoo.