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Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Explains Charles Leno Jr.'s OTA Absence

Charles Leno Jr. was one of three veterans not in attendance for the first part of Washington Commanders OTA's.

The Washington Commanders are nearly coming out in full force at OTA's for what should be a crucial season in the nation's capital.

All but three players showed up to last week's OTA's ready to get to work and improve ahead of training camp this summer. Among the veterans absent was offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr.

Leno, 31, is entering his 10th NFL campaign and third with Washington, part of why head coach Ron Rivera defended his absence from the voluntary practices.

"Charles has been in the system and I think that's probably part of why he's not here," Rivera said. "He knows the system. He was in it in Chicago and so a lot of stuff that they did the first week that he was here was pretty much the stuff that he's been involved with."

Leno has started every game at left tackle for Washington in each of the past two seasons, but there is competition for his job from a number of potential candidates. Earlier this offseason, the team signed tackle Andrew Wylie and drafted Braeden Daniels in the fourth round. On top of that, Sam Cosmi could play either guard or tackle.

The team also signed Nick Gates and drafted Ricky Stromberg, two guys that project to play inside, but could shake up the rest of the offensive line's configuration.

Leno should be the starter protecting Sam Howell's blindside in 2023, but with several new pieces coming in and his three-year, $37 million extension kicking in, the veteran may have some pressure to perform and defend his place in the Commanders' plans on the offensive line.


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