The Washington Commanders are signing veteran edge rusher Preston Smith, returning to the team after a decade since they drafted him in 2015, to bolster their pass rush amid a wave of injuries.

Smith, 32, has played for the Packers and Steelers, with a career-high 12 sacks in his first season with Green Bay, and has accumulated a total of 70.5 sacks over 163 games.

His versatility allows him to rush from different positions, making him a valuable addition to the Commanders' defensive schemes, especially as they face thin depth at pass-rusher.

The team is also dealing with injuries to key players, including Austin Ekeler's torn Achilles, Jayden Daniels' knee sprain, and others, which have significantly impacted their roster.

Defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn quadriceps in Week 2, ending his season, which further strains the team's pass-rush options.

In addition, cornerback Jonathan Jones was also placed on IR due to a hamstring injury, adding to the team's secondary challenges.

Currently, the Commanders rank 16th in the NFL with four sacks, led by Dorance Armstrong Jr. with two sacks, highlighting the need for improved pass-rush production.

Smith's recent stint with the Steelers, where he contributed two sacks in eight games, impressed the team during a workout, leading to his signing.

Throughout his NFL career, Smith has played 163 games, with notable production including 44 sacks with Green Bay, and is capable of playing both inside and outside on the defensive line.

The Commanders are preparing to host the Raiders on Sunday, aiming to rebound from their tough Week 2 loss and improve their defensive performance.

Smith's signing provides needed depth for the defensive line, especially as he is primarily used as a rotation player for pass-rush situations and third downs.

Drafted by the Commanders in 2015, Smith played four seasons with the team before joining the Packers in 2019, and now returns to help address their current defensive challenges.