The Washington Commanders will play without multiple key pieces on offense, notably center Tyler Biadasz, a last-minute scratch due to illness.
Michael Deiter, replacing the formidable Biadasz, is among several lineup changes for Sunday’s meeting against the Saints. Opponents are averaging a league-high 5.0 yards per carry against the Saints. Running back Brian Robinson should still produce but might not max out without Biadasz’s presence in the middle of the line.
Kicker Greg Joseph, added to the practice squad on Friday, will play instead of Zane Gonzalez (left foot). Joseph, who played with the Giants this season, becomes Washington’s fourth kicker in 2024 and third in three games.
On Saturday, the Commanders elevated Joseph and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad. Starting DT Daron Payne is active after appearing on Friday’s injury report with a back injury. Still, Davis replaces 2022 second-round pick Phidarian Mathis on the active roster for a second consecutive game.
Wide receiver KJ Osborn, claimed off waivers this week, is inactive, while Jamison Crowder is active after being activated off injured reserve to help replace Noah Brown. Third on the team with 35 receptions, Brown landed on IR after suffering a kidney injury in the Week 13 win over Tennessee. The Commanders are already without their fourth-leading receiver, running back Austin Ekeler, who landed on IR with a concussion.
With CB Marshon Lattimore making his Washington debut, Michael Davis is among the inactives for the first time this season. QB Jeff Driskel and LB Dominique Hampton round out the list.