The Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens had an eventful joint practice Tuesday, which included multiple fights. One of those fights was sparked by Ravens tight end Mark Andrews body-slamming Commanders cornerback Danny Johnson to the ground.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Johnson suffered a rotator cuff injury due to the slam. The Athletic’s Ben Standig confirms Johnson has a strained rotator cuff and is considered day-to-day.
Fights have been the highlight of joint practices throughout the NFL recently. Usually, the league leaves discipline up to respective teams for any incidents during practices.
Tuesday was the first of two joint practices between the Commanders and Ravens. Tension brewed throughout.
Commanders cornerback Emannuel Forbes and Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace exchanged punches. Andrews slammed Johnson shortly afterward, causing a melee among the teams. Also, punches were exchanged between Commanders center Nick Gates and Ravens defensive lineman Odafe Oweh.
With the number of preseason games reduced to three, joint practices are supposed to give teams a chance to measure where they are with their starters. It also presents fringe players an opportunity to prove themselves in addition to game film.
However, the joint practices have turned into fight fests like the Commanders and Ravens or the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Unfortunately, injuries have occurred. Jets assistant coach Tony Oden got taken to the hospital after the Bucs-Jets brawl. Now, Danny Johnson of the Commanders is hurt.
At some point, the NFL may have to re-examine its approach to the antics during joint practices.
The Ravens and Commanders will play each other Monday night. It’s the second preseason game for both teams. The Ravens’ NFL-record 24 straight preseason wins are at stake. We’ll have to see if there is any carryover from the extracurricular activities earlier this week.
