The Washington Commanders released 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting ties with another high draft pick from the previous regime.

All of former coach Ron Rivera’s first-rounders — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in ’21 and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in ’22 — are now gone. Forbes never progressed on the new team under coach Dan Quinn and was a healthy freshman twice this season and did not play in two other games in which the 23-year-old wore the uniform.

Quinn said after his team’s win on Sunday that the fact that cornerback Marshon Lattimore was about to make his debut played a role in the decision. Lattimore, who was called up for the Commanders in early November, has still not played for them due to a hamstring injury.

But this is also about a new beginning for Forbes.

“When we made the decision to release him, it was really the best opportunity for the team at that point,” Quinn said. “I had the opportunity to visit him and I sometimes explained to him that the change of scenery is good and I have seen other players go to other clubs and things turned out differently and sometimes that is a good thing – and that I said it could happen to you too.”

Quinn said the team wishes Forbes all the best for the rest of his football journey.

The Commanders also placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve Saturday because of a concussion. They promoted kicker Zane Gonzalez and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad.

Phidarian Mathis, another top pick during Rivera’s tenure as a second-rounder in 2022, was a healthy number one with Davis in uniform.

“Just in the spirit of competition,” Quinn said. “Carl Davis worked hard at it, and so they kind of battled while we battled for reps in practice and where we’re going. So to be honest, it was just a coaching decision to give Carl a chance.”

In Washington, Forbes was running out of opportunities. Rivera’s front office recaptured Mississippi State’s 166-pound defensive back with the 16th pick ahead of Christian Gonzalez and others in the 2022 draft and was immediately questioned. Gonzalez was next selected by New England and has started 16 games for the Patriots.

Forbes was benched last season by Rivera, who called the shots when Washington chose Davis over offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in 1921 and traded for Dotson instead of safety Kyle Hamilton or receiver Chris Olave the following year. Forbes has two interceptions and 12 passes defended in 20 games.

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