Jonathan

Allen

It was reported earlier that the team “feared” Allen would miss the remainder of the season, but Quinn later confirmed it on Monday. The loss of Allen, who is a long-time vet and leader of the defense, is a tough blow to the 4-2 Commanders. The Commanders currently rank 22nd in both yards and points allowed this season, the loss of Allen could only further their early struggles on that side of the ball.

Allen is one of the Commanders’ best defensive players and he would be a devastating loss for their playoff hopes. Without him in the second half, the Ravens essentially did whatever they wanted, scoring points on every drive that didn’t end the game. Allen had 13 solo tackles and two sacks in six starts so far this season.

Allen exited in the second half of Sunday’s game and was ruled out early in the fourth quarter. The veteran lineman has been a key contributor along their interior since entering the league in 2017, and has totaled 13 tackles and two sacks this season.

Allen’s season will end with 53 tackles and 5.5 sacks in what was arguably the most disappointing season for Washington’s defense in franchise history. With one game to go, the Commanders have currently allowed the 13th-most points (480) in NFL history and could be propelled into the top five after Week 18’s contest against the Cowboys. Allen is under contract through 2025 but has hinted at being open to trade this offseason to avoid being stuck in a rebuilding year in 2024. We’re a long way from knowing where Allen will play next season, but his 2023 campaign with the Commanders has officially come to an end. In addition to Allen, the Commanders also ruled out cornerbacks Tariq Castro-Fields (shoulder), Kendall Fuller (knee), and Christian Holmes (concussion), leaving a porous secondary thin heading into Sunday.

Per Schefter, if the Commanders are sellers at the deadline, “the focus will be on their defensive line.” He notes that Chase Young and Montez Sweat are impending free agents and keeping both will be difficult. Schefter also mentioned trade offers for defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, though he added the caveat that the Commanders told teams they will not listen to offers for him. The Commanders are big underdogs to the Eagles today, so it’s possible they are already working on trades contingent on a loss to Philly. Keeping Young, who is a bit under three years younger than Sweat, would make sense for a rebuilding roster, though the team and Young haven’t had the best of relationships in recent years.

Allen exited early in the second quarter and was originally considered questionable to return. Shortly after halftime, it was announced that the Commanders’ defensive tackle would miss the remainder of the game with his injury. Allen did walk off under his own power and was seen sitting on the sidelines before halftime. His status heading into Week 18 against the Cowboys will be one to monitor throughout next week.

Allen underwent an MRI on his groin after last week’s Week 1 win over the Jaguars. A late addition to the team’s injury report on Saturday, but is officially active for Week 2. The Commanders ruled out QB Sam Howell, TE Cole Turner, G Wes Schweitzer, G Chris Paul, DL Benning Potoa’e and CB Tariq Castro-Fields.

Allen suffered a groin injury in Sunday’s game against the Jaguars, however, his injury is not believed to be serious. Allen left yesterday’s game and did not return to the field, but finished the day with five quarterback pressures and two sacks per PFF. Allen and the Commanders take on the Lions in Week 2.

With Washington’s game moved to Tuesday, this puts Allen on track to play against the Eagles. Washington also activated DE Montez Sweat, DE James Smith-Williams, and DE Casey Toohill from the COVID list ahead of Week 15.

The Football Team also placed LB David Mayo, DE William Bradley-King, and TE Temarrick Hemingway on the list. Washington now has nine players on the COVID list including five defensive linemen and a pair of linebackers. Allen has 7.5 sacks and nine TFLs this year. Both marks lead the Football Team. Still in the playoff hunt, things are looking bleak for their chances of stopping the Eagles this week.