The buzz around John Rhys Plumlee, a rookie selected in the fifth round, has been substantial, and discussions about the Commanders’ quarterback intensified following the third week of the exhibition games.
Plumlee, who faced difficulties during the latter part of Washington’s final preseason contest against the Los Angeles Rams, was replaced by Sam Hartman, who then orchestrated a drive that secured the win for the Commanders. Plumlee was reportedly caught off guard by the substitution but used Instagram on Sunday to show his appreciation to supporters and express his commitment to continued development.
“Thank you all for the [love] and support,” Plumlee posted in the caption. “There’s plenty to take away from these preseason games, and I’m truly grateful for the chance to be out there. I’m dedicated to learning and improving with each passing day and every repetition.”
Saturday evening marked the conclusion of a mixed preseason performance for the former UCF standout and son of Gus Malzahn, the head coach at UCF.
Plumlee, age 23, displayed promise in his first unofficial NFL game, delivering two touchdown passes against the Chicago Bears in the first week of the preseason. However, just as he was geared up to build on that showing with more plays, he suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out of action in the second week. Then, in the game against the Rams, he only managed to complete three out of six pass attempts for 14 yards and was sacked five times over the course of five series.
‘I wasn’t aware I was done’: John Rhys Plumlee expressed surprise when the Commanders took him out late in the fourth quarter against the Rams
John Breech
Plumlee later shared his astonishment at Hartman being chosen for the final drive, though coach Ron Rivera maintained that giving Hartman playing time had been part of the overall plan.
“I was unaware that I was being taken out,” Plumlee stated after the game. “Yes, I didn’t know. I was using the exercise bike, preparing myself. I was getting ready for that two-minute drill because that’s the kind of opportunity that every quarterback hopes for. I’ve been in those situations many times before, and I assumed I was going to be in it again, but then I was informed that I wasn’t, and I simply said, ‘OK.'”
On August 18, the Commanders revealed Carson Wentz as their starting quarterback for Week 1, and it is anticipated that the team will keep four quarterbacks on their roster. Hendon Hooker, who was selected two rounds before Plumlee, along with experienced player Jacoby Brissett, are also expected to secure roster spots — possibly ahead of Plumlee in the quarterback hierarchy.
