The Washington Commanders overcame significant adversity to secure a dramatic success over the Philadelphia Eagles. However, a fresh injury concern around stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore tainted the triumph.
Lattimore went toe-to-toe with wide receiver A.J. Brown throughout. The pair didn't back down an inch during a highly entertaining battle that swung both ways.
Washington's lockdown coverage presence made some outstanding plays. The wide receiver also enjoyed some decent moments and drew several pass interference calls from the former first-round selection in key moments.
It was a heavyweight clash between two of the league's best at their respective positions. Unfortunately for Lattimore, he limped off with another hamstring issue that required treatment on the sidelines late in the second half.
Commanders face anxious wait over Marshon Lattimore's hamstring issue
Something was clearly amiss. Lattimore went into the blue medical tent and was officially listed as questionable to return. The Commanders were forced to install former starter Benjamin St-Juste, who whiffed on a tackle going up against Brown immediately to the dismay of those in attendance.
Considering this was only Lattimore's second game back since recovering from a hamstring complication, the concerns were rife among the fanbase following the clash. The Commanders look on course to reach the playoffs, but they won't go much further than that if the Ohio State product is missing.
Things should become clearer in the coming days. Lattimore is an integral part of the team's plans and was acquired via trade from the New Orleans Saints for games like this. The Commanders will run tests before determining the next course of action. But it'll be a nervous wait for the team's fanbase before more developments arrive.
Lattimore held his own against Brown, which is arguably the best any cornerback can do versus the physically imposing pass-catcher. It wasn't perfect, not by any stretch of the imagination. But it was a marked improvement on anything or anyone the Commanders have put against the wideout in recent years.
Hopefully, the prognosis will be good and Lattimore won't miss any more time. The Commanders are at double-digit wins and within touching distance of reaching the knockout rounds. They need him available next weekend against the Atlanta Falcons with the primetime spotlight glaring on Sunday Night Football.
If the Commanders win that one, they'll be in. That means Lattimore could potentially rest against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18 to ensure he's firing on all cylinders for the wildcard round, which could be another battle with Brown when push comes to shove.
Anything more concerning will have a detrimental impact on Washington's aspirations to make noise when the playoffs arrive.
