Commanders elevated linebacker from practice squad to make up for lack of depth

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 07: Deatrich Wise Jr. #91 of the Washington Commanders lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium on September 7, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Washington Commanders announced a few roster moves before they host the New York Giants tomorrow. Three players had their 21-day practice windows opened this week, but only one of them has been activated. DE Deatrich Wise Jr. has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (list) due to a quad injury from last season. He has been activated and added to the Commanders 53-man roster. He can be active this week, and could be needed due to injuries to other players. LB Austin Keys was also signed from the practice squad, and will likely be available for special teams. CB Trey Amos (ankle) and RB Jeremy McNichols (quad) weren't activated and remain on injured reserve for another game.

The Commanders are elevating two players for Sunday's home game against the New York Giants. The inactives list won't be much of a mystery this week with 6 players already ruled out. The team had 23 players on Wednesday's injury report, an insane number for a 53-man roster. Injuries continue to limit the Commanders early in the season, leading to decisions like releasing rookie RB Kaytron Allen to try to get him to the practice squad, only to see him get claimed by another team (Dolphins).

The Commanders elevated WR Van Jefferson and S Darren Hall for today's game. Stefon Diggs is out and Terry McLaurin is questionable, with both receivers dealing with hamstring injuries from last week. McLaurin looked good" at practice per head coach Dan Quinn, and he could be available on Sunday, but the team might want to limit him due to the nature of the injury. Van Jefferson is a vet and will provide another potential target for Jayden Daniels' return to the field.

The Commanders released their injury report Friday and ruled out six players: QB Marcus Mariota (knee), WR Stefon Diggs, S Percy Butler (hamstring), S Nick Cross (illness), DE Charles Omenihu (groin/ankle), and S Tyler Owens (hamstring).

We have made the following roster moves:
- Activated DE Deatrich Wise Jr. off the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List and removed him from the injury report
- Signed LB Austin Keys from the practice squad
- Elevated S Darren Hall and WR Van Jefferson from the practice squad... pic.twitter.com/yVnaXgA717

- Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 10, 2026

Should the Commanders have elevated different players? If so, let us know who that should've been in the article comments below: