Commanders TE Cole Turner Shows Sam Howell Chemistry, Shines in Preseason
The Washington Commanders' offense has an intriguing group of weapons for quarterback Sam Howell, spearheaded by receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson and running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson.
But not to be lost in the fray of talent is tight end Cole Turner, who, like Howell, arrived in Washington as a fifth-round pick in 2022. The two were drafted some five selections apart ... and they appear to have kept a similarly close relationship on the field.
Neither saw significant action during their rookie seasons - Howell didn't play until the finale, while Turner caught only two passes for 23 yards across 10 games with two starts.
But now, both players are entering a key second campaign in which they're expected to be significant parts of Washington's offense, with Howell set to start under center and Turner pushing for more snaps at tight end.
Of note, Washington has Logan Thomas and John Bates on the depth chart along with Turner ... but the former Nevada standout has been a noticeable winner throughout the first two preseason games.
In the Commanders' 17-15 win over the Cleveland Browns in the opener, Turner had a team-high four receptions and finished with 31 yards.
He followed it up with an impressive showing across multiple phases during Washington's 29-28 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Monday night's game at FedEx Field, posting two receptions for 24 yards and proving he can be a competent lead blocker.
Perhaps the most important element of Turner's showing is the evident chemistry he has with Howell, shown best by a 16-yard gain on 3rd and 15 in which he finished through contact in a tight window, helping extend Washington's opening drive that ended in a field goal.
After the third down conversion, ESPN analyst and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman compared Turner to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce for playing a similar role under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who held the same role across five years for the reigning Super Bowl Champions.
Of course, the Commanders aren't banking on Turner becoming an annual All-Pro like Kelce ... but with he and Howell's evident chemistry and his impressive preseason highlighting the growth his game has undergone, Washington isn't likely to put a ceiling on what the 23-year-old can do for years to come.
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