EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Commanders outside linebacker Odafe Oweh was among four players cleared to play in Sunday's season opener at Philadelphia after dealing with a strained calf for nearly a month, coach Dan Quinn said.Oweh had strained a calf muscle on Aug. 12 during a joint practice with Miami and returned to practice this week. He was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday. It's uncertain if he'll be on a snap count.He wasn't alone in returning as fellow outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (knee) and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (lower leg) and defensive tackle Daron Payne (knee) also were cleared.It's a big lift for a defense led by first-year coordinator Daronte Jones. Washington already will be without outside linebacker/end Dorance Armstrong, who was suspended one game by the NFL for violation of the league's personal conduct policy.Chaisson missed the final two weeks of training camp practices because of a knee injury. He and Oweh had been starting at outside linebacker as Armstrong recovered from his surgery.But Oweh was Washington's prized free agent signing in the offseason -- his size, speed and length made him a good fit in first-year coordinator Daronte Jones' system as a pass-rusher. Oweh signed a four-year deal worth up to $100 million with $68 million guaranteed.Last season, Oweh recorded 7.5 sacks in 12 games for the Chargers after being acquired in a trade with Baltimore. He also had three sacks in a wild card playoff loss to New England.Oweh did not record a sack in his five games with the Ravens but had 10 the previous season.Payne was not a question until being limited in practice Thursday. There had always been optimism about Croskey-Merritt, who led Washington with 805 yards rushing as a rookie last season.
