Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl is a terrific player. The 2020 seventh-round pick has emerged as a vital piece of Washington’s defense, and that was evident in the first two games of the 2022 season, which he missed due to injury.
Buy Commanders TicketsHis return coincided with Washington’s defense playing at a much higher level. Curl’s presence, combined with the growth of second-year safety Darrick Forrest, has given the Commanders a talented pair of young, physical safeties who complement one another.
Curl is listed as questionable for the Week 16 game with an ankle injury. If Curl can’t go, that’s a big loss for the Commanders.
Head coach Ron Rivera discussed Curl’s injury this week.
“Obviously just the ankle,” Rivera said. “Again, defensive backs have gotta use those plant and drive off of those feet, and we just gotta make sure he can do it. He’ll continue to get his treatments, and we’ll see how he is come Saturday morning.”
What’s the defensive plan if Curl can’t go?
“Well, for the most part, it’s gonna be by committee,” Rivera said. ‘We’ve got guys that’ll now get opportunities to step in and play the position. We’ll rely on Percy [Butler], and we’ll rely on Jeremy [Reaves], a couple of guys that have really stepped up when they’ve got an opportunity and have performed nicely for us. So, we’re feeling pretty comfortable with whatever we have to do.”
You can’t just replace Curl. However, the good news is the Commanders have options. Reaves always plays well when he’s been forced into action on the defense. The Pro Bowl special-teamer knows the defense and brings plenty of experience. Butler, a rookie fourth-round pick, has also excelled on special teams this season. He’s also seen an increase in defensive snaps over the last several weeks.
For Rivera, he certainly hopes Curl will be on the field against the Niners.
