The Washington Commanders lost a key piece of their offense when guard Sam Cosmi went down with an ACL injury in the Division round in January. It guaranteed that he would miss the NFC Championship a week later and at least a portion of the 2025 season.
There's still no timetable for when Cosmi could return to the lineup, but all things are going as planned for the former second-round pick.
"Sam is doing excellent," said head coach Dan Quinn. "Like he has really put the work in. He's hitting all the markers that he's supposed to. We're not gonna miss one step along the process. But it starts with him, man, like just the, the everyday intensity that goes with it."
Cosmi, who underwent surgery on his knee after the team's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the conference championship game, was seen jogging on the sideline during the team's final minicamp practice. Although there are still several steps for Cosmi to take before being ready to suit up again, it does align with Quinn's assertion that he is on track for a return at some point in the season.
"There's like a work mindset that comes outta that and...that's important because that's who Sam is, and he's off to a really strong start hitting all the markers he's supposed to up to now," Quinn added.
Prior to his injury, Cosmi was performing like one of the better guards in the league, particularly as a pass protector. Pro Football Focus gave him the best pass-blocking grade of his career, allowing just one sack and five quarterback hits. He also had an efficiency rating of 98.2 -- his best in four seasons as an NFL offensive lineman.
Cosmi's injury created a hole in the Commanders' offensive line that they attempted to fill with Trent Scott, who finished the Lions game and started against the Eagles. Scott played well in Cosmi's absence, but it's clear that Cosmi helps elevate the entire group when healthy.
As the Commanders' players were emptying their lockers, Cosmi said he would do "everything in my power" to be ready for the upcoming season.
"I'm just gonna attack this like I have everything in my whole entire career, my life," Cosmi said. "I said this whenever I got the extension: how much work you put in is what you're going to get out. That's what I'm going to do with this, and hopefully, I'll be back on the football field way sooner than expected."
It is clear that Cosmi has been true to his word, but the question remains as to when he will be back on the field. The team should have a better idea once the team reports for training camp.
"I know that with Sam, he's hitting all the benchmarks, but when does that get there? I don't know," Quinn said. "I'm not there yet to knowing. We're not going to miss one step with him."
For now, the Commanders are settling with the options they have until Cosmi's return. Brandon Coleman, who played left tackle last season, seemed to be settling in at left guard during OTAs and minicamp but could also move over to the right side if necessary. Nick Allegretti was a serviceable guard last season and is in competition for the right spot.
There's also Andrew Wylie and first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. to consider. Wylie has played exclusively at tackle since signing with Washington two years ago but does have experience playing guard. Although Conerly was drafted to be a tackle at some point, the depth could push him inside to guard as well. General manager Adam Peters is confident he can get the job done regardless of where he plays, saying in April that Conerly can play both spots.
While Cosmi is on the right track, the Commanders will need to be patient until he is fully healthy. Quinn believes they have enough talent to wait it out.
"It'll take some work as we're going through into training camp, but those are the types of challenges you want as a coach," Quinn said. "It's not, 'Who in the hell is going to play over here?' It's more like, 'This is going to be an absolute battle to see where it goes.'"
