Washington Commanders make headlines by waiving Jamal Agnew after failing physical
The Washington Commanders have officially waived former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver and return specialist Jamal Agnew following a failed physical examination on Tuesday. Agnew’s departure comes just a day after he was claimed off waivers from the Falcons, who let him go over the weekend.
Struggles in Atlanta
Agnew’s time with the Falcons was marred by persistent issues. Known for his contributions on special teams, he was expected to make an impact but instead fell short of expectations. Coach Morris shared insight into the team’s decision-making process, stating, “We went to the young kid, DT [Deven Thompkins], a couple of weeks ago. Really wanted him [Agnew] to give us a lift that we needed on our special teams, but we didn’t get that provided to us. So, he really became a secondary thought when it came to our return game, and we moved on to our younger guys.”
Despite serving as the primary kick and punt returner this season, Agnew struggled to make a significant impact. He led the Falcons in both attempts and total yardage, yet his performance was less than stellar. Agnew averaged 24.7 yards per kickoff return, ranking just 23rd among players with more than 20 attempts, while his punt return average stood at a mere 7.1 yards.
Fumbling Opportunities
Agnew’s difficulties extended beyond yardage. He recorded three fumbles during his time with the Falcons, including one that likely cost the team a crucial game against the New York Jets. The Falcons’ special teams as a whole struggled, posting the league’s worst kick-return average at a paltry 22.8 yards per attempt, coupled with the 28th worst punt return average of 6.8 yards.
Injury and Inactivity
Injuries played a significant role in Agnew’s decline. Missing nearly all of training camp hindered his ability to establish himself as a reliable asset. Eventually, he became a healthy scratch in consecutive weeks, prompting the team to reassess his role on the roster.
While the Falcons expressed interest in bringing Agnew back onto their practice squad, they were unable to do so. With Agnew’s exit, Thompkins has stepped in, proving to be a more effective option. In his new role, Thompkins has returned eight kicks for 200 yards, averaging 25 yards per return, with a long of 47 yards, and has also contributed three punts for 28 yards.
Looking Ahead
As the Falcons prepare to face Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The team will look to find consistency in their special teams as they navigate the challenges ahead, now without Agnew.
