The Washington Commanders may go back to the future at wide receiver. The Commanders hosted Jamison Crowder on Tuesday, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
Crowder began his career with Washington as a fourth-round draft pick in 2015. During his four seasons with Washington, Crowder was a precise route runner primarily from the slot. He snagged 221 catches for 2,628 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
He also handled punt return duties, fielding 86 punts for 677 yards and one touchdown in the Burgundy and Gold.
The Commanders may be in search of wide receiver depth. Star wideout Terry McLaurin is dealing with turf toe, and his status for Week 1’s game against the Arizona Cardinals remains uncertain.
Washington also has sought to resolve the punt return duties since Crowder’s departure. The Commanders are relying once again on wide receiver Dax Milne, who has been bland in returning punts. Milne has also dealt with a groin injury.
The Commanders cut intriguing undrafted rookie Kazmeir Allen before signing him to the practice squad. Allen is promising but he has a way to go before trusting him to field punts, a man reason he’s on the practice squad and not the 53-man roster.
Crowder can alleviate the immediate concerns at punt return.
Is Jamison Crowder healthy and able to stay on the field?
Signing Crowder would hype Commanders fans. However, that excitement may need to be tamed some. Crowder has struggled to stay on the field since his last season with Washington in 2018.
That year, a high ankle sprain forced him to miss seven games. He signed with the New York Jets the following offseason. Crowder posted a career-high 78 receptions for 833 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 16 games in 2019.
However, in 2020 Crowder missed four games, dealing with multiple injuries, including strains to both of his calves. The next season, he missed five games due to a groin injury and more issues with his calves.
Last season, he signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. His time in Upstate New York didn’t last long on the field. He fractured his ankle, ending his season after four games.
Crowder was with the New York Giants in this year’s training camp before getting released on Aug. 29.
When healthy, he is productive. He’s averaged at least ten yards per catch in seven of his eight NFL seasons. He also owns the middle of the field with his efficient running routes. If he’s on the mend, Jamison Crowder could boost the depth of the Commanders’ wide receivers and special teams.
