Washington signed Chig Okonkwo in free agency this offseason.
He was the Commanders’ clear lead tight end in Week 1, playing 39 of 48 snaps over the first 10 drives before suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the next two weeks. He ran a route on 85% of Washington’s pass plays over those drives, an elite rate for a tight end. Last season, Trey McBride and Sam LaPorta were the only tight ends to exceed an 85% route participation rate. Okonkwo was limited in practice all week but entered the game without an injury designation. Okonkwo returned to a significant role, playing in most 11 personnel situations as well as 13 personnel. Washington used 13 personnel frequently early in the game, typically with Okonkwo functioning as the second receiving option. Most of his time off the field came in 12 personnel on running plays. He ran a route on 14 of 17 first-half pass plays, another excellent participation rate for a tight end. His playing time declined in the second half, with John Bates seeing more work, particularly as a pass blocker. Washington may simply have wanted additional help in pass protection, although it’s also possible Okonkwo wasn’t quite 100% in his first game back. Okonkwo didn’t produce much statistically, but the circumstances weren’t particularly favorable. Washington was down to its third-string quarterback and didn’t fall behind until later in the game, which allowed the offense to stay relatively committed to the run. The route participation is far more encouraging for his fantasy outlook. Okonkwo is worth targeting on the waiver wire, especially if Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota eventually return at quarterback. If the route participation he showed early in Week 1 and again in the first half of this game carries over to full games, he could become a useful fantasy option.