from the New Orleans Saints on November 5, they were aware that he was injured.
What we may never know is if the Commanders understood the seriousness of Lattimore’s hamstring injury, which is easy to question given that Lattimore has missed four consecutive games, dating back to his last game with the Saints, and three consecutive games after joining the Commanders.
Now, the Commanders are hoping Lattimore will return to the starting in a Week 13 home game against the Tennessee Titans and help turn the tide after three straight losses have pushed them to 7-5 and the seventh and final slot in the NFC playoff picture.
Lattimore hasn’t played since the Saints’ 26-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on October 27, but he practiced for the first time on November 27. First-year Washington head coach Dan Quinn told The Athletic’s Ben Standig and Cale Clinton that the four-time Pro Bowler was “awesome” in his return to action.
That is good, because the Commanders have never needed Lattimore more than they do now.
According to Sports Info Solutions, Lattimore had a career-low 42.9 completion % and a career-best 4.4 yards per target allowed in seven games before to the injury. Now, Lattimore might return for a squad still looking for a postseason spot.
Commanders Secondary Not Making Major Plays
One thing the Commanders’ secondary does not do? Making huge plays.
Washington has made only one interception in its last five games, against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson in a Week 10 loss.
Lattimore has been one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks since the Saints selected him with the 11th overall choice out of Ohio State in 2017.
He was voted NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017 and made his first Pro Bowl after recording a career-high five interceptions in just 13 games. It was the first of four Pro Bowl selections for Lattimore, who has 15 career interceptions in his first seven seasons.
In September 2021, Lattimore signed a five-year, $97.6 million contract deal that runs through 2026.
Lattimore has struggled with injuries in recent years. In 2022, he missed 10 games due to a lacerated kidney and another 7 games due to an ankle ailment.
Much-Needed Bye Coming Up for Commanders
On paper, the Commanders’ schedule is approaching “must win” level, but they should play each game as if that’s the case from now on — and if they can beat the Titans, they’ll receive a much-needed bye in Week 14 to allow Lattimore and others to recover from persistent injuries.
It’s difficult to picture Lattimore not playing in Week 15, when the Commanders return from their bye and go to face the Saints, where he spent the first eight years of his career.
Following the game against the Saints, the Commanders face a hard stretch of games to finish the regular season, with back-to-back home games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons in Weeks 16 and 17, followed by an away game at the Dallas Cowboys.
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