When starting strong safety Will Harris suffered a fractured fibula in the Washington Commanders’ win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, it wasn’t immediately obvious who would take his place.
The Commanders, at the time, appeared to have decent secondary depth. Percy Butler had started much of the 2023 season as an injury replacement. Second-year phenom Tyler Owens seemed on the verge of a bigger role. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. had even more flexibility if he wanted to try a cornerback like Noah Igbinoghene at safety.
He also had Jeremy Reaves, a do-everything defensive back.