The Washington Commanders will aim to avoid starting the season 2-3 when they travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. And there will be a familiar face looking to pile misery on head coach Dan Quinn's squad at SoFi Stadium.
In an overlooked but expected move, the Chargers called up defensive end Clelin Ferrell from their practice squad. They are looking for someone to step up and fill the gaping void left by prolific edge rusher Khalil Mack. Although the former Clemson standout hasn't met his lofty draft standing so far, he'll have a chance to get one over on his old employers in this one.
Ferrell joined the Commanders in 2024 through free agency. Adam Peters brought him along from the San Francisco 49ers after being impressed by his development. Unfortunately, he was unable to seize his starting opportunity, and the defensive lineman's influence waned as the season progressed.
Clelin Ferrell won't be giving the Commanders many headaches in Week 5
Surprisingly, Ferrell got another one-year deal from the Commanders. This didn't come with any guarantees regarding his roster status, and he was unable to convince the coaching staff he was worth another go-around in 2025. Peters released him during final cuts, but the Chargers believe some untapped potential remains.
This is the second time Ferrell has been tasked with replacing Mack. The same happened when he was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, who traded the three-time All-Pro to the Chicago Bears. He failed to meet expectations then, and the Commanders will be hoping the same trend continues this weekend.
Washington's offensive line should know how to counteract Ferrell pretty comfortably when he's on the field. He doesn't offer much as a pass-rusher, and although his run-stopping prowess is a little better, it's not exactly world-beating either.
Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. have played exceptionally well over the last fortnight, which only raises confidence further about their ability to nullify Los Angeles' under-strength edge options. Ferrell will have the urgency with revenge on his mind, but it would not be very reassuring if Washington didn't contain him from start to finish.
Signing Ferrell was a last resort for the Chargers. They also acquired Foster Sarrell and Bobby Hart — two players who were recently in Washington but were sent packing before the season — to offset the losses of their starting offensive tackle tandem of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. The Commanders must be wary of these castoffs, but they won't exactly be giving anybody sleepless nights.
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