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Commanders' Mitchell Tinsley Shines In Preseason Finale; Cut or Keep?

Washington Commanders rookie receiver Mitchell Tinsley, who was an undrafted receiver from Penn State, made his case for a spot on the team's final roster.

Being signed as an undrafted free agent typically doesn't bode well for a player's future with a team. 

That may not be the case for Washington Commanders rookie receiver Mitchell Tinsley

With teams needing to cut their roster down to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the undrafted free agent from Penn State did his part to remain on the Commanders. He had three catches for 89 yards and a touchdown in Washington's 21-19 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday at Fed Ex Field

Tinsley was a teammate of Jahan Dotson at Penn State. He had 51 catches for 577 yards and five touchdowns in his final season as a Nittany Lion.

Early in the second quarter, Tinsley got wide open behind the Bengals' secondary and connected with Jacoby Brissett just short of the end zone. He broke multiple tackles and spun into the end zone to tie the game 7-7 with 9:01 left in the half. 

In the third quarter, Tinsley had another huge play, beating the Bengals' cornerback and catching a deep pass for a 37-yard gain. Tinsley went out of bounds one yard short of a touchdown.

With the preseason in the rearview mirror, it remains to be seen what Tinsley's future holds. It'll come down to how he stacks up compared to fellow receivers Brycen Tremayne, Dax Milne, Kyric McGowan, Marcus Kemp and Kazmeir Allen. 

With Terry McLaurin's outlook to begin the season in doubt, it wouldn't be surprising if the Commanders carry an extra receiver or two. For Tinsley, who may only be scratching the surface of his potential, his performance against the Bengals should have him in the conversation to be among the final 53. 


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