A little earlier today: The greatest left tackle on the Washington Commanders’ roster has officially announced his move to the Arizona Cardinals, saying farewell to supporters.

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Mike Sainristil plays ‘star,’ and the Commanders think he can become one

The rookie from Michigan has a dizzying job description as a modern-day nickelback, a position that has had evolving responsibilities in recent years.

Mike Sainristil, welcome to the NFL. Here is your job description as a modern nickelback: Do everything.

Be ready to cover the league’s best receivers from the slot without the sideline to protect you. Is that a tight end? Match up with him, too. Also, be ready to blitz off the edge. Remember your responsibilities against the run — watch out for that 320-pound guard barreling your way. Is your head spinning yet? We’re just getting started.

A slot defender — who matches up with a player between the offensive tackle and wide receiver — used to be considered a specialist. Those days have passed. Nickel packages, with five defensive backs and just two linebackers, are now the norm. The Washington Commanders, under Coach Dan Quinn, give the slot defender a name befitting its importance: star.

Sainristil, 23, played a similar position at Michigan. At under 5-foot-10 and 182 pounds, he is smaller than most players. Washington was undeterred and drafted him in the second round in April.

The team believes his mix of explosiveness and intelligence readied him for an early, demanding

Washington Commanders Roster Moves: An offensive lineman released; new QB signed due to injuries

The Washington Commanders are traveling to Miami today, but they continue to make moves as injuries pop up and players show they’re not ready to make an NFL roster.

Mason Brooks was a popular UDFA signing last year after a few good reps against DT Phidarian Mathis in training camp. He was re-signed this year and got some renewed hype after he was given reps at offensive tackle, the position he played in college at Ole Miss. Brooks played the most OL snaps (34) against the Jets last week and also allowed the most pressures (5). Washington has several players competing at tackle and guard in camp, and Brooks didn’t make the cut.