George

Fant

Rodriguez was a game-time decision with his groin injury, and the Commanders have decided to not have the tailback go after testing the injury in pre-game. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols will get the touches with Rodriguez unavailable.

Facing the Lions without McLaurin and Daniels gives the Commanders long odds of pulling off the upset. Fortunately, they have a capable backup quarterback in Marcus Mariota, and lead rusher, RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (tooth) was medically cleared on Friday. The defense will have CB Trey Amos on hand. The rookie cornerback injured his hip last week against the Seahawks. He practiced fully on Friday.

Washington inked Fant, 33, after he worked out with the team this week. Fant also worked out for the Bucs, Ravens, and Titans this offseason but lands with the upstart Commanders, who last year had what PFF graded as the NFL’s eighth worst pass-blocking offensive line. Fant, meanwhile, has only been active for 22 regular season games over the past three seasons. He’s been plagued by a variety of injuries, including to the knee and oblique. The Commanders will hope Fant can stay healthy in 2025 and protect Jayden Daniels, who was pressured frequently during his rookie season.

It’s a sensible pairing as Tristan Wirfs seems likely to miss time early in the season. Fant only played 30 total snaps for the Seahawks last year as he dealt with a knee injury, but was solid for the Texans in 2023. He’s reportedly also drawn interest from the Ravens and Titans this offseason.

Fant is taking his time to find a new home after being released by Seattle in a move that saved the Seahawks nearly $4 million against the 2025 salary cap. Fant, 32, who missed almost the entire 2024 season with a knee injury, said he’s interested in the Ravens because they are a contender but could land with the Titans since he lives in Nashville. The Ravens, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, are in need of a swing tackle. Fant has played both left and right tackle during his eight-year NFL career. He’s managed just 26 games over the past three seasons.

The move saves $3.8 million in cap space for Seattle in 2025. Fant only played 30 total snaps for the Seahawks in 2024. The veteran had been an acceptable stopgap for the Texans in 2023 and may wind up finding another swing tackle role in 2025 if he still wants to play. Entering his age-33 season it is no guarantee that he’ll continue to suit up.

The veteran injured his knee in the team’s Week 1 contest and has been held out ever since. His return comes just in time as the Seahawks look to upset the divisional rival Rams at home in Week 9 to claim control of a tight NFC West division.

Lucas has been on the PUP lists since July, while Fant has been on injured reserve since September. Both offensive tackles practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday as they begin their journey back to being activated. Geno Smith will welcome the offensive line help.

The loss of Fant is a bad omen considering the inconsistent offensive line play from the Seahawks through two weeks, primarily considering the newfound pass-heavy nature of the offense in the absence of starting running back Kenneth Walker. Fant will miss the next four games, at minimum, after being downgraded from doubtful to out before hitting injured reserve.

The Seahawks initially listed Fant as doubtful for Week 3 but quickly updated the injury report, ruling him out despite practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Fant was starting in place of Abraham Lucas (injured reserve). Seahawks coaches will now have to game plan around QB Geno Smith’s weakened right-side pass protection.