Commanders get boost as TE Thomas off PUP

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders activated tight end Logan Thomas off the physically unable to perform list Monday, giving them back a crucial part of their offense as the regular season approaches.

Thomas tore his left ACL and MCL last season in a Dec. 5 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. There was some hope before training camp that he wouldn’t have to be placed on the PUP list because of how well his offseason had gone, but those hopes were dashed.

Thomas participated in individual and group drills Monday, but not in full-team work. He said he wouldn’t be surprised if returns to 11-on-11 work soon. However, Thomas said he’s not yet sure if he’ll play in the Sept. 11 season opener vs. Jacksonville.

“I’d love to be out there Week 1, but I know myself and if I’m not ready to go or don’t feel like a full version of myself we can buy another week or two weeks,” he said.

Washington coach Ron Rivera would only say if Thomas keeps progressing “there are some good things” ahead.

In 22 games with Washington, Thomas has caught a combined 90 passes for 866 yards and nine touchdowns. At the time of his injury, Thomas led the NFL with 144 receiving yards in the red zone during his time with Washington — despite having missed five games earlier that season with a hamstring injury.

With a new quarterback in Carson Wentz, it’s helpful for Thomas to get some work with him on the field before he returns to game action. Thomas ran some routes with Wentz on a side field during special teams drills.

“The ball gets there a little quicker,” he said of Wentz’s passes. “There’s a different timing … I’m excited to see where it gets to.”

Washington’s tight end depth has been severely tested during camp. Not only was Thomas missing, but No. 2 tight end John Bates has missed most of training camp with a left calf injury and rookie fifth-round pick Cole Turner hasn’t practiced since hurting his left hamstring on Aug. 5. Two other tight ends, Alex Armah and Sammis Reyes, were placed on injured reserve last week; Armah was released Monday.

“[Thomas] has the versatility and athleticism to be a complete tight end,” Rivera said. “Those other guys have specific skill sets.”

On Saturday vs. Kansas City, Washington only had two tight ends available: undrafted rookie Armani Rogers, a converted quarterback, and Eli Wolf, who was placed on injured reserve Monday with an undisclosed injury.

The Commanders signed tight end Jake Hausmann and claimed tight end Kendall Blanton off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams on Monday.