As the NFL playoff race heats up entering Week 13, the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans find themselves coping with a spate of ill-timed injuries to key contributors. While both teams remain in postseason contention, they’ll need to dig deep into their depth charts to fill the void left by these ailing starters.
Commanders’ Offensive Weapons Banged Up
Washington received a mixture of good and bad news on the injury front Friday. Starting running back Brian Robinson, who departed last week’s loss to Dallas with a sprained ankle, was a full practice participant and avoided an injury designation. His return provides a much-needed boost for a ground game that’s sputtered during the team’s current slide.
However, the Commanders will have to proceed without two other vital offensive cogs in versatile back Austin Ekeler and right tackle Andrew Wylie. Both players remain sidelined in concussion protocol after exiting the Cowboys game. Ekeler’s absence removes a dynamic receiving threat out of the backfield, while Wylie’s steady presence will be missed along the offensive line.
Marshon Lattimore Likely Out Again
To further compound matters, cornerback Marshon Lattimore is doubtful to suit up as he continues to battle a nagging hamstring injury. The star cover man hasn’t played since being acquired from New Orleans before the trade deadline, leaving Washington perilously thin in the secondary.
“Injuries are part of the game, but they always seem to hit hardest this time of year when the stakes are highest,” a team source told reporters. “We’ll need guys to step up across the board with some of our difference-makers on the mend.”
Titans Battling Attrition As Well
Tennessee is no stranger to the injury bug either as the 3-8 squad tries to keep its fading playoff hopes alive. The Titans’ stout defense will likely be without several impact players Sunday, including linebacker David Long Jr. (hamstring) and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (ankle).
Those losses further deplete a unit that’s struggled to maintain its typical effectiveness for most of the season. After finishing top 10 in points allowed three of the past four years, Tennessee has plummeted to 27th in scoring defense in 2024.
“There’s no denying we’re a banged up bunch right now,” Titans safety Kevin Byard admitted. “But the games don’t stop coming. It’s next man up and we have to find a way to compete regardless of who’s out there.”
Derrick Henry Shockingly Questionable
Perhaps most concerning for Tennessee is the sudden uncertainty surrounding superstar running back Derrick Henry. The NFL’s rushing leader was a surprise addition to the injury report Thursday with an ominous “hip” designation and hasn’t practiced since.
While Henry is officially listed as questionable, his uncharacteristic absence from workouts so late in the week suggests real doubt about his availability. The 29-year-old has been a rare beacon of durability, having never missed a game due to injury in his illustrious career.
“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t concern,” said a Titans offensive coach. “It’s highly unusual for Derrick not to practice. We’re hoping for the best but bracing for the possibility he won’t be out there.”
Massive Playoff Implications
Sunday’s battle between two physically compromised opponents carries monumental postseason implications. Washington currently holds the NFC’s final Wild Card spot, but has several challengers nipping at its heels. The Commanders likely need to win at least four of their final six contests to feel good about securing a third straight playoff berth.
The Titans’ outlook is bleaker, but a win over Washington would keep them mathematically alive in the decidedly mediocre AFC South. At 3-8, they trail the division-leading Jaguars and Texans by three games with just six to play.
Both squads face an uphill climb made even steeper by the personnel challenges they’re currently enduring. With so many critical contributors ailing and depth being tested across the board, Sunday’s showdown may come down to which team can persevere and make fewer mistakes. A season-altering result hangs in the balance.
