In a devastating blow to their postseason aspirations, the Washington Commanders will be without lockdown cornerback Marshon Lattimore for their crucial Week 17 clash against the Atlanta Falcons. The four-time Pro Bowler, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Saints earlier this season, reinjured his left hamstring in last week’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lattimore’s absence leaves a gaping hole in a Washington secondary that must now contain a high-powered Falcons aerial attack led by MVP candidate quarterback Desmond Ridder. The rookie sensation has torched defenses all season long with his precise passing and electrifying playmaking ability. Without their top cover man, the Commanders’ defensive backfield will be severely tested.
Injury Bug Bites Commanders at Worst Possible Time
Unfortunately for Washington, Lattimore isn’t the only key player who will be sidelined on Sunday. The team also ruled out starting right tackle Andrew Wylie (groin) and speedy wideout Dyami Brown (hamstring), further compromising an offense that has struggled with consistency all year.
Defensive Reinforcements on the Way?
In a bit of positive news, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn expressed optimism that standout defensive tackle Jon Allen could be activated off injured reserve in time for Sunday’s game. Allen, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 6, would provide a huge boost to a defensive front looking to pressure Ridder and slow down a potent Falcons rushing attack.
He had a really good week.
– Dan Quinn on Jon Allen’s potential return
Even if Allen suits up, he will likely be on a pitch count as the Commanders ease him back into action. Washington’s defense, which has been the strength of the team all season, must find a way to hold up against a multi-faceted and explosive Falcons offense.
Playoff Implications Aplenty
Sunday’s primetime affair is a virtual playoff game for both squads. At 10-5, the Commanders can clinch a postseason berth with a victory over Atlanta or a Carolina Panthers win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier in the day. Meanwhile, the 8-7 Falcons are still alive in the NFC wild card chase but have no margin for error.
With so much at stake, the Commanders must quickly regroup and formulate a plan to slow down a Atlanta offense that is hitting its stride at the perfect time. Unheralded veterans like Mike Davis and Benjamin St-Juste must elevate their play in Lattimore’s absence, while rookie Mike Sainristil figures to be tested early and often in coverage.
A Rivalry Renewed
Sunday will mark the first meeting between these two proud franchises since their memorable clash in the 2023 NFC Divisional Round. In that game, the underdog Falcons marched into FedEx Field and stunned Washington 29-22 in a back-and-forth thriller. Atlanta would go on to reach the Super Bowl, while the Commanders were left to pick up the pieces after a crushing defeat.
Now, nearly two years later, Washington has a chance to exact some revenge and keep their championship dreams alive. But they must do so without the services of their most important defensive player in Lattimore. It’s a tall task, but one the Commanders must conquer if they hope to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.
- Injury Impact: Lattimore’s absence creates a major void in Washington’s secondary that will be difficult to fill. Look for the Falcons to attack replacement corners early and often on Sunday night.
- Next Man Up: Unheralded veterans and untested rookies must quickly adapt to increased roles in a revamped Commanders defensive backfield.
- Playoff Stakes: Both teams enter Sunday’s clash with their postseason lives on the line. Expect a playoff-like atmosphere in this primetime affair.
The Washington Commanders have already defied the odds by remaining in playoff contention this late in the season despite a rash of injuries to key players. On Sunday, their depleted defense faces its stiffest test yet against a Atlanta Falcons squad firing on all cylinders. With their season hanging in the balance, Washington must find a way to overcome Marshon Lattimore’s devastating absence and keep their championship aspirations alive.
