Thomas (knee) took part in 7-on-7 drills Wednesday, with head coach Ron Rivera suggesting afterward that the tight end could play Week 1 at Jacksonville, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.
Rivera said Thomas' progression to 7-on-7s was "very important" and "another milestone," adding that "it gives him a chance" to be ready for the season opener. If so, Thomas presumably would be eased in with something less than his familiar every-down role, though an eventual return to that type of workload isn't out of the question given Washington's limited depth at tight end. Three of the team's backups, including John Bates (calf), missed the second week of the preseason with injuries.