Commanders Get Massive Injury Boost Ahead of Eagles Opener

Getting cleared for Week 1 is the NFL equivalent of waking up five minutes before your alarm. It just feels like a massive win before the day even starts.

According to Adam Schefter, the Washington Commanders are getting exactly that kind of boost for Sunday's opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Odafe Oweh, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and K’Lavon Chaisson have all been officially cleared to play.

"Adam Schefter reported the trio has been cleared to play."

Going into Philly for Week 1 is already a nightmare assignment. You do not want to walk into Lincoln Financial Field missing key pieces, unless you enjoy watching your backup edge rushers get put in a blender for three hours.

Having Oweh and Chaisson ready to go gives the Commanders actual teeth on the defensive front. You need athletes who can set the edge and chase down the quarterback, otherwise the Eagles' offense just turns into a track meet. Throw in Croskey-Merritt being available in the backfield, and Washington suddenly has the depth chart they actually planned for all summer.

For anyone looking at the lines for this NFC East clash, this injury update actually matters. A healthy pass rush changes the math on how comfortable Philadelphia will be operating their offense, which is exactly the kind of variable that swings a tight divisional game.

Now that the medical hurdles are cleared, the real problem starts. Washington has to actually go out and stop the Eagles on Sunday night. At least now they have the guys on the field to try.