Commanders lineman Brandon Coleman was inactive for a second consecutive game Sunday as his injury-riddled offense took on the Falcons in Atlanta. Guard Chris Paul started at left guard in Coleman’s place.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn made the same decision last week — benching Coleman in favor of Paul — to great effect. He said the decision was not injury related, but the team needed a boost after an unimpressive showing from Coleman through two weeks.
Coleman was a third-round pick in last year’s draft. The TCU product started 16 games at left tackle in his rookie campaign but lost his job to the newly acquired Laremy Tunsil in the offseason. The transition to guard has been difficult.
“Chris Paul has really elevated his level of play from last year to this year. Was really impressed with him all spring and training camp,” Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said.
The team hasn’t given up on Coleman, though.
“We preached competition and he had had some nagging-type injuries that kept him from practicing, and he hadn’t played a lot inside there to begin with,” Kingsbury said. “So, just being consistent in your practice habits and being able to be healthy and be out there. But he’s done a great job.”
He joined a long list of injured players on Sunday’s inactive report. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, tight end John Bates and safety Percy Butler all missed the game in Atlanta.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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