The Washington Football Team began Phase II of their offseason workouts on Tuesday. As many of 86 players reported to the voluntary OTAs with four noticeable absences which included recently-signed left tackle Charles Leno Jr.
Leno is expected to start at left tackle when training camp rolls around in the summer. However, the former Chicago Bear was absent from OTAs as his wife recently had the couple’s second child.
Thus, Washington took the time to give last year’s fourth-round pick Saahdiq Charles first team snaps at left tackle. Cornelius Lucas manned the right tackle position with the starters.
Charles was drafted out of LSU as an offensive tackle. Early injuries held him out of training camp and the first five games last year. When he ultimately touched the field he started at left guard, not tackle. Unfortunately, his NFL debut lasted two snaps before he suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Recovered and ready to go, don’t read too much into Charles lining up at tackle. Head coach Ron Rivera said Washington is still open to Charles playing tackle and guard, per Ben Standig of The Athletic.
ESPN’s John Keim reports Charles is expected to compete at left guard but his flexibility could place him as an emergency tackle much like he was Tuesday.
Again it’s too early to speculate where guys will slot in on the offensive line. Washington drafted Samuel Cosmi out of Texas, who is expected to get a chance at right tackle. They also traded for Ereck Flowers, who could slot into the starting lineup at left guard but will surely compete with Wes Schweitzer and Charles.
One thing that’s certain is the team is high on Charles, especially given he only played two snaps last year. Then again, getting thrust into the starting lineup last year as rookie right off injury was already an indication.
