Commanders Update Emmanuel Forbes Injury

The Washington Commanders have released their first official depth chart just ahead of their preseason opener against the New York Jets. Last year’s No. 16 overall pick Emmanuel Forbes was not listed as a starter.

Forbes was a part of the worst ranked defense in the league last year. He was the lightest player to ever be drafted into the NFL and being undersized led to mismatches against bigger receivers all season.

The former Mississippi State Bulldog has added weight and muscle this offseason and is still working to improve. New defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr has been impressed with his hard work.

“You know, first off, Emmanuel’s been working extremely hard to get the off-field stuff from his weight up,” Whitt said. “You know, I was very pleased with the way that he came back in shape, gained weight, and then his availability’s been there and now he’s with Jason Simmons (defensive pass game coordinator) and, and just learning the finer details of how to be an excellent, professional corner.”

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Certainly, Forbes’ rookie year didn’t go as planned. He holds the NCAA recorded for most career pick sixes, so he has a nose for the football and great ball skills. If Forbes can play bigger and stronger, it may help get him back into the starting lineup.

The Commanders take on the New York Jets at MetLife stadium this week giving Forbes another opportunity to impress his coaches.