Nelson was initially a safety and is still listed as such on Penn State Athletics' website.
This year's captains include three defensive players, two offensive players, and a punter.
Sutherland, who played linebacker and was a special teams ace in college, was signed as a defensive back.
The Commanders could give McSorley a chance to start against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.
James Franklin did not describe the injury as "season-ending."
