Washington Commanders Suffer Blow with Jonathan Allen’s Season-Ending Injury
The Washington Commanders’ defense has been dealt a significant blow with the loss of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen for the remainder of the season. Allen suffered a torn left pectoral muscle during Sunday’s 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and an MRI on Monday confirmed the extent of the injury.
Allen’s Importance to the Team
Allen has been a stalwart on the Commanders’ defensive line since being drafted in the first round in 2017. He has consistently demonstrated his skills and talents, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2022. This season, Allen had already notched two sacks in six games, and his presence will be sorely missed.
Injury Details and Surgery
According to coach Dan Quinn, Allen will undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the torn muscle. The injury occurred during the third quarter of Sunday’s game, when Allen rolled over in pain after a 7-yard touchdown run by Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Despite initial optimism about his health outlook, the MRI revealed the full extent of the damage.
Depth at Defensive Tackle
While Allen’s loss is significant, the Commanders have some depth at defensive tackle. Fellow tackle Daron Payne, a first-round pick in 2018, will likely see increased playing time, and the team also has Johnny Newton, Phidarian Mathis, and Efe Obada available to contribute. However, as Quinn noted, Allen’s unique skills and talents make him difficult to replace.
Contract Implications
Allen has one year remaining on his contract, but with no guaranteed money, the Commanders would save $17 million on their salary cap if they were to release him. However, this is a decision for the future, and for now, the focus is on finding ways to compensate for Allen’s absence on the field.
Other Injuries on the Defensive Line
The Commanders also suffered injuries to two other defensive linemen on Sunday, with defensive ends Dorance Armstrong (rib) and Javontae Jean-Baptiste (right foot) exiting the game. Both players are undergoing further tests, with initial X-rays on Jean-Baptiste coming back negative.
Leave a Reply