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Commanders' Mitchell Tinsley After Bengals Performance: 'Knew I Could Play!'

Washington Commanders rookie receiver Mitchell Tinsley had his best outing vs. the Cincinnati Bengals and revealed that he knew he had talent but needed to show it.

NFL preseason games present players on the bubble with a chance to solidify their chances to make the final roster, and in Mitchell Tinsley's case, his bid to be on the Washington Commanders 53-man squad increased.

After not playing up to his own standards vs. the Baltimore Ravens, Tinsley came back with a vengeance against the Cincinnati Bengals as he hauled in three catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. However, he could consider himself unlucky not to have two scores, but that's a conversation for another day.

For Tinsley, his expectations coming into preseason were all about showing his talent.

“My expectations was really to impress the coaches, teammates and just make plays when I got the opportunities," Tinsley said. "That was my expectation, I knew I could play, it was just about showcasing it.”

In his three preseason outings, Tinsley caught five passes for 129 yards and a touchdown as he looked to put his best foot forward in the hopes of securing a roster spot.

But after his game against the Bengals and the looming roster cuts, does Tinsley feel like he has done enough to warrant a place in Eric Bieniemy's offense?

“I would say so, but that’s not up to me,” Tinsley said. “For me, I just want to control the things I want to control.”

What might play into calculations is Terry McLaurin's toe injury that has him racing the clock to be ready for Week 1.

If Tinsley survives the cut, he will no doubt be ready to again showcase that he belongs at the NFL level.


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