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Practice notes | Commanders 'all hands on deck' to prep for playoffs

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The Washington Commanders have "earned the right" to compete in a playoff game this weekend, head coach Dan Quinn said during his Wednesday press conference. The team is making sure that everyone is prepared for that chance.

"All hands on deck," Quinn said.

When the Commanders make the trip to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round, they'll be matching up against a team that owns one of the best offenses in football, has been to playoffs in the last four years and beat them in the season opener. The Commanders have grown since that 37-20 loss, winning 12 games for the first time since 1991 and possessing a top 10 offense and defense.

The Commanders are entering the postseason relatively healthy, and as kickoff inches closer, they intend on keeping it that way. Aside from Zach Ertz, Terry McLaurin, Dante Fowler and Clelin Ferrell, all of whom were out for veteran rest days, the rest of the roster participated in practice "on some level." That includes cornerback Marshon Lattimore and center Tyler Biadasz, both of whom missed the season finale. It's still early, but Quinn gave positive updates on both players.

"Biadasz is doing good," Quinn said Monday. "Marshon was also doing well, ran today, so arrow was going up."

While Lattimore had a distinct impact during Washington's rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles, the four-time Pro Bowler has dealt with a hamstring issue since he was acquired via trade from the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 2. Lattimore was sidelined during the fourth quarter of the Eagles game and did not return in the 36-33 victory.

Lattimore did not participate in practice in Weeks 17 or 18 and was ruled out for both contests. Washington won both games, but there is a clear difference in the secondary when he is on the field. He was not targeted and did not allow a catch against the Saints and followed wide receiver A.J. Brown in Washington's game against the Eagles. Brown still finished with eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown, but Lattimore also had three pass breakups with four tackles.

Quinn said Friday that Lattimore was "close" heading into Washington's game with the Dallas Cowboys, and the cornerback was back to warming up with his teammates during practice. As long as things continue on their current trajectory, Lattimore should be available.

"He's hitting all the markers up to this point," Quinn said. "I anticipate that throughout the week, but tomorrow...specifically will be one that's more [full] speed."

Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium for their Week 18 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, shot on Sony. (Photos by Emilee Fails/Washington Commanders)

If Lattimore does play, he'll likely see plenty of Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans. The two were known for having physical matchups during Lattimore's time with the Saints, and it's gotten chippy at times. Quinn said there will be plenty of position battles on Sunday but did acknowledge that people will be focused on what happens between Lattimore and Evans.

"It's not just the length; there's a lot of guys that are taller or longer," Quinn said. "But it's the competitive will, the routes, the discipline ... When you're talking about sustained success, you better have the whole thing, and he certainly does."

Biadasz, who sprained his ankle against the Atlanta Falcons, has missed two of the last four games. Backup Michael Deiter has had his moments, but Biadasz has been one of the league's best centers this season as well as a critical piece of the offense. Thanks to his physicality and ability to help Jayden Daniels call out the defense, he has been an indispensable piece of the unit's success.

Like Lattimore, Biadasz was close to playing against the Cowboys -- his former team. Although he'll need to prove that he can function during Thursday's practice, which will be closer to full speed as opposed to Wednesday's walkthrough, he seems confident he'll suit up.

Asked how he felt, Biadasz said in that locker room that he was feeling "great" and "I'll be ready to go."

Quinn said it's important "to play your best football" heading into the season. So far, the Commanders are looking like they'll at least be equipped from a personnel standpoint to do so. Although players like Cornelius Lucas, Frankie Luvu and Quan Martin were on the injury report, there's little doubt that those players will suit up to play the Buccaneers.

The only thing left for them to do is come away from Florida with a victory.

"We're gonna fight like hell," Quinn said.

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