Suddenly the strong is much weaker.
The strongest unit of the Washington Commanders team has no doubt been the defensive line. Media and fans wondered Tuesday why the front office determined to keep 11 defensive linemen on the 53-man roster.
Buy Commanders TicketsThere is now no question why. Thursday, the Commanders announced Efe Obada is joining Phidarian Mathis on the injured reserve List. This means both Mathis (calf) and Obada (knee) will miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season.
Oh, there’s more. The most consistent and productive member of the defensive front four, Jonathan Allen, is battling Plantar Fasciitis.
Consequently, Abdullah Anderson was re-signed to the active roster.
At the roster announcement press conference Tuesday, Ben Standig asked Coach Rivera regarding injuries and Chase Young. Coach Ron replied,
“We’re not gonna talk about that. We’re gonna talk about where we are right now. We’re going forward with this right now; this was a good day.”
Suddenly, Chase Young being a contributor is again a question. After being the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, the Commanders have gotten almost nothing from Young. In 2021, there were issues with Young in the offseason, and he produced nothing more than frustration for the coaches in 2021. Then, came his bad injury, ending his season.
This spring, many fans insisted Rivera was so out of line to not provide Young the fifth-year option. Are you folks still going to maintain the same position?
Obada and Mathis are definitely gone for at least four games. Might Young miss the opener? Will Allen fully recover or be limited during the season? How much will Young produce this season?
Is it any wonder Rivera is already concerned?
