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Commanders head coach sounds off on signing former first-round pick

The Washington Commanders are bringing in a former top prospect to help their season-ending injury.
NFL Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage
NFL Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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The Washington Commanders are adapting after Will Harris was ruled out for the season with a fractured fibula.

To combat with the loss of Harris, the Commanders signed former first-round pick Darnell Savage, who was recently cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn spoke about losing Harris and what Savage brings to the table.

“I feel the speed and the coverage ability from Will, that's one thing. This is a position that we've got some really talented guys with [S Tyler] Owens and [S Jeremy] Reaves and [S Percy] Butler have had a go and so adding Savage into that group, we'll see as we move forward," Quinn said.

"We're very excited to have him here. But as far as the roles and that, I think we're still, we'll work through that to go. It's a deep position for us, but Will has a very unique skillset. His background at corner certainly helps, but yeah, he's been an excellent addition for us. And like I said, I don't know when that would be. I don't have all that kind of information in terms of returns and such, but it's a big deal for us.”

READ MORE: Dan Quinn got a bloody nose, a game ball, and a dominant Commanders win

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage catches a pass during an NFL training camp session
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage catches a pass during an NFL training camp session. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Savage gives depth for Commanders

The Commanders are hoping to keep the rhythm and flow of the season going by repacing Harris with Savage. Washington will need to replace Harris by committee, but Savage should be a big help for that.

It will take Savage some time to get acclimated, but it is still very early in the season, so he will have time to get used to the defense before the games start ramping up in importance.

Savage could make his Commanders debut in Week 4 when the team takes on the Atlanta Falcons on the road Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

READ MORE: Commanders starter breaks leg in Raiders game ending 2025 season

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 season.

More Washington Commanders News

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• Commanders' rookie is facing a 'gauntlet,' and his coach is proud


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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