The Washington Commanders are making defensive moves that may leave space for a pickup from the trade block. Their defense has been suspect all season but showed signs of improving during the past few weeks. Then the bottom fell out Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens exposed several holes and finished with more than 300 yards of passing. To make matters worse, Defensive Tackle Jonathan Allen was injured in their 30-23 loss.
Washington Commanders Lose Allen For The Season
Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Monday Allen is out for the season after suffering a pectoral tear in Sunday’s loss. He also said to expect some shifts. “It’ll be a multitude of people and roles and how we can feature guys to do that because Jon’s rare and he’s got unique skills and talent,” Quinn said. “So, it’s not just plug and play. And good news, we got a big, deep crew and we’ll feature all of them a little bit differently and finding the ways that we can do that. But we’ll certainly miss Jon and the strength and the attitude that he brings inside.”
Allen, a 2017 first-round draft pick out of Alabama, had 13 solo tackles and two sacks before his injury. Reviewing the Commanders’ depth chart, Defensive Tackles Daron Payne or Phidarian Mathis could fill the gap. Mathis seems more the choice since Payne is listed as a starter already.
Commanders Defense: More Injuries
Defensive End Javontae Jean-Baptiste injured his right ankle Sunday. There’s no word on how long he will be out, but he is listed as questionable on the depth chart. This is where it gets tricky. Starting Defensive End, Dorance Armstrong is still out dealing with injured ribs. Quinn said Armstrong will undergo further tests to see what’s going on.
Roster Shifts Begin
NFL Network’s Mike Garafalo reported via a post on X Tuesday the Washington Commanders will sign Defensive Tackle Carl Davis to the practice squad. The 2015 third-round pick has moved around quite a bit in his career. Davis played two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, one with the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars, and three with the New England Patriots. He played his 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys. His connection to Defensive Coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. via their history with the Cowboys could be a benefit.
In eight seasons Davis has racked up 68 total tackles. For perspective, he’s only had five seasons on record where he’s played more than five games. Coming to the Washington Commanders now may be an opportunity to close the season on the active roster if he can prove himself from the practice squad.
Commanders Could Nab Haasan Reddick
Then there’s the curious case of Haasan Reddick, who’s supposed to be playing for the New York Jets but has won his way in a holdout. Now he is allowed to move on. ESPN reported Tuesday the Jets are allowing Reddick to seek a trade. Reddick, known for his intense pass-rushing skills, was acquired by the Jets in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In short, it’s a case of not renegotiating his contract for more money gone wrong, causing Reddick to hold out and request a trade. If the Washington Commanders want a jolt, they could get one with this guy. Last season he had 29 solo tackles and 11 sacks, complimented with one forced fumble. Reddick brings a great deal of speed and ability to flush out the quarterback and could complement the blitzing scheme the Commanders have run most of the season.
Adding him to the likes of Payne would be a beautiful and terrifying addition to a struggling Washington Commanders defense and supplement the loss of Allen. Even though it’s rumored the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions may be a good fit for him, the Washington Commanders’ recent slew of injuries might prompt them to get into the conversation. Yes, Reddick comes with money woes, but the Washington Commanders have the money. OverTheCap.com reports Washington is one of the top five teams in the league this season with a good amount of salary cap space at $26 million. They also have $34,898,700 in dead cap space.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.
