Commanders sign Nick Martin, place Chase Roullier on IR

The Washington Commanders signed center Nick Martin as the club placed starting center Chase Roullier on injured reserve. The team announced the roster moves on Tuesday.

Roullier suffered a significant knee injury in Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions. The six-year pro is facing season-ending knee surgery. However, he is seeking a second opinion before making the decision. Nonetheless, head coach Ron Rivera said Roullier would go on short-term injured reserve if not for the season.

Roullier is eligible to return ahead of the Commanders’ Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers if he is not out for the year.

Meanwhile, the Commanders are bringing in Martin to reinforce the center position. Martin is the younger brother of Dallas Cowboys star guard Zack Martin. Like his older brother, Nick Martin attended Notre Dame in college.

The Houston Texans selected Martin in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Martin started 62 games over four years with the Texans and earned a three-year, $33 million contract extension with $18.5 million guaranteed in 2019. However, the Texans released him after the 2020 season.

Last season, Martin served as a backup center for the Las Vegas Raiders. He played just seven offensive snaps.

Martin spent training camp and the preseason with the New Orleans Saints. He was released during final cuts but signed to the Saints practice squad. The Saints released him on Sept. 10.

Wes Schweitzer appears to be the lead candidate to start at center for Washington in the immediate future, but Martin will be revved up and ultimately an option to plug in the starting lineup.