ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Monday that he believes the team has the talent to fill the center spot, even though injuries have limited options this preseason.
Quinn said the roster has enough depth, but the coaching staff is still evaluating the best solution. The discussion began after the Commanders fell to the Detroit Lions in a preseason game over the weekend.
Injury setbacks create uncertainty
The trouble at center started when the franchise released veteran Tyler Biadasz in February and moved natural guard Nick Allegretti into the middle of the line for the final two games of last season. Allegretti entered training camp with a calf injury and has participated in only two practices, most recently leaving early on Tuesday.
“He’s not there yet,” Quinn said, indicating Allegretti is unlikely to play in the upcoming joint practice against the Baltimore Ravens.
Who is stepping in?
Julian Good‑Jones, 29, has taken the starting role in Allegretti’s absence. Good‑Jones has been with Washington since 2023, primarily on the practice squad, and has appeared in just one NFL game before this week.
Good‑Jones started Saturday’s game against the Lions but missed a block on the first offensive snap, forcing quarterback Jayden Daniels to throw the ball away. The Commanders ran only three snaps before substituting the second‑team unit.
Rookie Matt Gulbin, a sixth‑round pick from Michigan State, is also in the mix. Gulbin, who has mostly played guard in camp, rotated with Good‑Jones on Monday and will receive an extended look at center this week.
“I feel like I’ve gotten better. Still a lot to improve on,” Gulbin said. “Looking forward to going to Baltimore and getting to work and competing with them.”
What the coaching staff is watching
Quinn said the staff will focus on pass‑protection fundamentals, especially handling blitzes and stunts, when evaluating both players. The upcoming joint practice with the Ravens and a scheduled Friday game provide opportunities to test them against outside competition.
Despite the uncertainty, Quinn expressed confidence that either player can handle the role.
“I feel comfortable system‑wise, and you know how important it is to direct everything up front,” Quinn said. “With both of them, I feel good about their knowledge of the system and where they’re at.”
Additional practice added
Originally, the team planned a walkthrough on Monday and a full practice on Tuesday before traveling to Owings Mills, Maryland, for the joint practice. After the loss in Detroit, Quinn added an extra practice day, noting he did not love everything he saw from an identity standpoint but emphasized the decision was not a knee‑jerk reaction.
The extra session gave offensive linemen additional repetitions, allowing coaches to see how players perform in positions they do not normally play.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
