ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders might be getting a 300-pound gift for the holidays.
On Wednesday, the team opened the 21-day practice window for defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. The two-time Pro Bowl selection suffered a presumed season-ending pectoral tear in Washington’s 30-23 loss at Baltimore on Oct. 13 and was subsequently placed on injured reserve.
Coach Dan Quinn went as far as to say the following Monday, “We’ll certainly miss (Allen) this season.”
Quinn provided a positive update before Wednesday’s practice. Hopes for Allen’s return began post-surgery. Another mile marker occurred when Allen went to New York for a check-up with the surgeon. Then, “a few weeks ago” is when Quinn’s optimism spiked.
“Seeing the surgeon, seeing that process go … he looked not like a person that had this surgery,” Quinn said. “Usually, you see a lot less on one side. … He’s built different for sure.”
Wearing a black, non-contact jersey, Allen joined teammates on the practice field for individual drills during the portion with media watching.
“I’m just excited to be here,” Allen told reporters following practice.
It’s unlikely Allen will be activated for Sunday’s pivotal game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Still, a person familiar with the situation says the Dec. 29 “Sunday Night Football” game against the Atlanta Falcons is possible. Quinn would only allow for day-to-day consideration.
“There’s a lengthy protocol in the return to make sure we don’t miss a step along the way,” the head coach said.
The 2017 first-round pick is one of the longest-tenured players on the roster but has only participated in one postseason (2020). With the Commanders (9-5) tracking for a playoff berth, Allen is pushing to return quickly. Washington holds the NFC’s third and final wild-card spot with three weeks remaining in the regular season.
“Man, just trying to work. Work my you-know-what off every day, so I come out and help the team in any way possible,” Allen said.
Allen’s initial goal is to feel comfortable on the field. He called Wednesday’s work “a really good day for me and a good first day. That’s all. It was my first day. We’re going to take it one day at a time and go from there.”
The Commanders struggled defensively earlier this season, the first with a new coaching staff and seven new starters. Through six games, Washington ranked 29th in rushing yards per carry (5.0), allowing 137.7 yards on the ground and 354 total yards per game. Over their last eight games, the Commanders have allowed an average of 27.3 points but held opponents under 20 points in half the games, and they rank third in yards allowed (297.6).
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues an impressive first campaign, but injuries have limited the offensive weapons, putting additional weight on defensive production.
Washington welcomed cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the lineup in Sunday’s 20-19 victory at New Orleans. The four-time Pro Bowler missed several weeks with a lingering hamstring. Lattimore’s presence spooked the Saints — zero targets came his way. The other starting cornerback, second-round pick Mike Sainristil, snagged his second interception in the latest win.
Contributors exist in the front seven. Linebacker Bobby Wagner has eclipsed 100 tackles for the 13th consecutive season, Frankie Luvu has set a career high with eight sacks, Dante Fowler Jr. leads the team with 8 1/2 sacks and defensive end Dorance Armstrong remains a steady presence. The Commanders turned to second-round pick Johnny Newton as Allen’s replacement and an interior tag-team partner for Daron Payne.
Whether in the regular season or a potential playoff appearance, adding Allen would further fortify the improved group. That such a possibility exists is a welcomed holiday surprise.
(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)
