Dan Quinn Updates Injury Status of Two Commanders on Offense

The Washington Commanders have announced a flurry of roster moves over the last week as punter Tress Way was placed on the active/ non-football injury list and linebacker Kain Medrano on the active/ physically unable to perform list. That came days after the Commanders placed three on the physically unable to perform list, though head coach Dan Quinn expressed confidence in some being able to be activated sooner than later.

Yet one of the biggest concerns from day one of training camp was Nick Allegretti, the expected starting center, after being spotted leaving practice with an undisclosed injury. Julian Good-Jones, who was on the practice squad last season, stepped in with the ones in Allegretti's absence while rookie Matt Gulbin adds to the depth at the position.

Head coach Dan Quinn revealed ahead of Thursday's practice that Allegretti will miss practice time after he suffered a calf strain, but it is not expected to be serious. Quinn also noted that wide receiver Treylon Burks is also battling foot soreness, though like Allegretti, is not viewed to be serious and won't practice today.

The immediate absence of Burks adds a question mark to an offense that already had questions to answer in camp, yet Allegretti's injury marks an early test for the position's depth with the Commanders limited in experience at center. Dan Quinn previously pointed to Brandon Coleman capable of playing center, though he remains entrenched in a battle with Chris Paul for the starting left guard. Good-Jones and Gulbin remain the only two centers along the roster, adding importance to Allegretti to solidify what should be a strong offensive line anchored once again by Laremy Tunsil in 2026.

Since signing in Washington after a five-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, Allegretti has started in 21 of the 33 appearances he's made over the last two seasons.

Allegretti entered the offseason making clear he was excited about the chance to become a full-time starting center in the NFL, a position he last played during his junior season at Illinois when he drew four starts. Despite outside concern about whether the former seventh round pick will fill the void left by Tyler Biadasz's release, there was no concern from Dan Quinn when asked about his confidence in the "high level competitor" who offers versatility along the interior offensive line.

"You count on him and he's going to be in the right spot, making the right call at the right time," Quinn said of Allegretti. "Even when it gets chaotic... ‘like, this look didn't come up in the practice. Okay, this is what we're going to do.' And you have to be in the fire some to have that calm in the chaos.”

The Commanders will get a chance to test that when preseason begins starting with the first of two joint preseason practices set for Aug. 12 against the Miami Dolphins.