CBS NEWS: Following This Weekend’s Washington Capitals Football Spring Game, Serious Concerns Emerge About Team’s Readiness and Safety
April 23, 2025 — Washington, D.C. — Following this weekend’s much-anticipated Washington Capitals football spring game, serious concerns have emerged about the team’s readiness heading into the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike were left questioning both the on-field performance and the safety protocols after a string of unsettling incidents and underwhelming displays.
The annual spring scrimmage, typically a showcase of talent and a morale boost for the fanbase, turned into a troubling preview of what could lie ahead for the Capitals. The most immediate concern was a series of injuries that raised red flags about both the team’s physical preparation and the playing conditions. Three players were taken off the field with apparent leg injuries in the first half alone, with starting linebacker Marcus Reid suffering what team officials are calling a “serious knee injury.”
Head Coach Raydon Miller addressed the media post-game with a noticeably somber tone. “We’re going to evaluate everything from our conditioning to the turf,” Miller said. “Player safety is our number one priority, and clearly, we have some issues to address.”
Compounding the issue, several players appeared visibly winded early in the second quarter, sparking concerns about the team’s conditioning. “They looked gassed,” said CBS Sports analyst Tony Helms. “It’s spring, sure, but you expect to see at least the first-stringers show stamina and some crisp execution. That just wasn’t there.”
Beyond the health and fitness issues, the game also showcased serious deficiencies in team coordination and execution. The offense committed five turnovers, including three interceptions thrown by junior quarterback Kellen Voss, who is expected to start this fall. The offensive line also struggled, giving up six sacks and failing to protect the pocket—an issue that plagued the team last season.
“The Capitals are looking like a team without identity right now,” Helms added. “The fundamentals are missing, and that’s a coaching issue.”
Off the field, fan turnout was lower than expected, with just over 9,000 in attendance—well below the 15,000 average for previous spring games. Some fans cited concerns over recent program changes, including staff turnover and rumored internal conflicts.
University Athletic Director Sharon Dupree issued a brief statement on Sunday night: “We are aware of the concerns raised following the spring game and are conducting a full review of both player wellness and the current coaching structure. We remain committed to building a safe and competitive program.”
The spring game, once viewed as a celebration and sign of hope for the Capitals’ future, now serves as a wake-up call. With the season opener less than five months away, the coaching staff faces immense pressure to turn things around—and quickly.
Fans are hoping that what happened Saturday was an anomaly, but as of now, the Washington Capitals football team seems to have more questions than answers.
CBS News will continue to follow developments as the team prepares for summer training.