Commanders training camp just got a whole lot more interesting thanks to latest injury news

The Washington Commanders received a huge boost on the first day of training camp and it comes in the form of second-round pick, Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton.

Newton was considered to be one of the biggest steals in the 2024 NFL Draft after he landed in the Commanders' lap at 36 overall. However, he's yet to participate in offseason activities as he recovers from a second foot surgery. He initially had surgery after the 2023 season, but then another was required, this time on the other foot, and that's what has kept him off the field, thus far.

The Commanders even went as far as placing Newton on the NFL's Non-football Injury list, last week. The former Fighting Illini would not have been able to practice until he cleared and there was a chance he'd sit for the entire year if the process went a certain way.

Well, fortunately, neither the Commanders nor Newton have to worry about that unless there's a complication. That's because Newton passed his physical on Wednesday, July 24 - he's now able to practice with the team as they hold their first training camp practice.

On the flip side, the team placed defensive end, Efe Obada, on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He won't be able to practice until cleared, himself.

The Commanders finally get to see what the trio of Newton, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne looks like

The most exciting part about drafting Newton is he now gives the Commanders the best defensive tackle rotation in the NFL. Washington already had the best duo in Allen and Payne, and now, Newton only makes that better. Which is a terrifying thought for interior offensive linemen everywhere.

Not only is Newton a good player in his own right, but now the Commanders have a guy who can step in and keep the pass rush going when Allen or Payne need a breather. Before, the rotation options were nowhere as near as dangerous or efficient. That all changes with Newton on the roster.

The best part, is he enters the chat during training camp, which is the best time of the offseason for true offensive line/defensive line evaluation, once pads come on on what should be July 29. OTAs and minicamps aren't padded practices, obviously, and that kind of context/environment is a must-have when fully evaluating the trenches. Sure, teams can get a good idea of where guys are in terms of chemistry, timing/getting off the ball, and whatnot. But the true performance evals lie in the pads.

Newton's arrival adds a whole new, exciting layer to Commanders training camp and it will be fun to see just how much he impacts the defense - and offense, even.