Commanders signal Preston Smith to bolster banged-up protection

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders have signed veteran go rusher Preston Smith, bolstering a line of defense that simply misplaced one in all its starters.

The Commanders introduced Wednesday that cornerback Jonathan Jones was positioned on injured reserve to unencumber a roster spot for Smith, who returns to Washington after spending the primary 4 seasons of his profession with the franchise.

Smith ought to assist offset the lack of defensive finish Deatrich Smart Jr., who was positioned on IR earlier this week after struggling a season-ending torn left quadriceps in a Week 2 loss at Inexperienced Bay.

Washington had signed Smart within the offseason, eager to strengthen its run protection with a strong edge setter.

Smith, 32, returns to the group that drafted him within the second spherical in 2015. He recorded 24.5 sacks with Washington earlier than becoming a member of the Packers through free company in 2019. He performed for the Packers till they traded him to the Steelers for a seventh-round choose halfway by way of final season.

Smith has 70.5 profession sacks, with 44 coming throughout his time with the Packers. He completed with two sacks in eight video games final season for the Steelers.

At 6-foot-5 and 265 kilos, Smith presents versatility; he can rush from the top or inside in addition to from a stand-up place. He has performed in each four- and three-man fronts. The Commanders like to make use of completely different fronts and line packages.