Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn confirmed Wednesday that cornerback Trey Amos, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., and running back Jeremy McNichols have returned to practice. Their 21-day windows are officially open. That’s three players at three different position groups coming back at once, and that is a great sign for Washington.

Each one brings something different. Amos, when healthy, could be the team’s best defensive back. Wise Jr. adds another body to a defensive front that is already exceeding expectations. McNichols could give the Commanders a different look in the running back room, something the offense hasn’t had much of so far this season.

No kid gloves for Trey Amos

The obvious question was about Amos. He’s had only one full practice since his injury last November, so Quinn was asked how quickly the team could get him up to speed & whether Washington needed to take extra precautions given how little he’s practiced.

Quinn didn’t bite on the caution angle.

“Not extra. Austin Ekeler ruined that for everybody,” Quinn joked.

Practice first, game day later

Quinn kept his message simple when talking about all three players.

“Practice is important,” Quinn said.

He added that there are no set guidelines going into the window.

“Play some ball. See where we’re at.”

Here’s the point: Quinn isn’t putting anyone on a schedule. The 21-day window gives Washington three weeks of real practice reps to evaluate where each player stands, & the head coach wants to see it on the field before he commits to anything.

When it came to actually suiting up on Sundays, he was blunt.

“As far as into the game, it’s way too early to call.”

Each player will get his own path back. Quinn said the staff will tailor the ramp-up to Amos, Wise Jr., and McNichols individually.

“We’ll kind of customize for each of them, what’s best for them.”

Why all 3 matter for Washington

Firstly, Amos. The Commanders’ secondary needs a player who can lock down one side of the field, & Amos has that upside. If he looks like himself in practice, he changes how the entire defense operates.

The defensive front is already ahead of where most people expected it to be. Adding a veteran edge presence with Wise Jr. on top of that doesn’t fix a problem so much as it deepens a strength, & depth up front wins games in the second half of a season.

Lastly, the running back room has leaned on a fairly uniform look. McNichols gives the offense a change of pace & another way to attack defenses.

None of these guys are guaranteed to play right away. Quinn has made that clear already. But three players who could make an immediate impact are back on the practice field, & for a team trying to build momentum, that’s the best news Washington could ask for in October.