The Washington Commanders may be experiencing a Christmas miracle. No, not another Hail Mary like the one that defeated the Chicago Bears or the spectacular last-play comeback against the New Orleans Saints last weekend.
This one features an unexpected return of a player who could be crucial as they make their playoff push in the last three weeks of the season. Washington, which is 9-5 heading into Sunday’s NFC East game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium, has established a 21-day practice window for standout defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
He suffered a torn pectoral muscle in a Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and was expected to be sidelined for the season. But it turned out to be only a minor tear, and Allen is almost ready to return. “I think it’s a remarkable part of the rehab, for him to go through it,” Quinn remarked. “There is a lengthy protocol in the return to ensure that we do not miss any steps along the road.
You’ve heard us say that protecting the team is also the role of the player. So we did that with Marshon [Lattimore], and [Allen’s] team worked extremely hard to prepare for this space. So, we’ll just sort of take it and practice as we go, but he’ll be back with the squad today and going over everything.” Related: Commanders Key To Stopping Eagles’ No. 1 Rushing Attack.
Allen practiced in a restricted capacity Wednesday, but is expected to play again this season, if not this week. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021-22 and would undoubtedly strengthen the Commanders’ defence, which will face difficult challenges down the stretch and maybe into the playoffs. Washington’s defence ranks 11th overall in the NFL.
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