It’s hard to say there’s any such thing as bad news for the Washington Commanders right now, given that they’ll be playing in their first NFC Championship Game in 33 years on Sunday.
However, Thursday’s injury report was not promising for two key members of Washington’s defense.
It was made known earlier in the week that OL Sam Cosmi tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of Washington’s playoff run, so his DNP status is no surprise. However, both DT Daron Payne and LB Bobby Wagner being out for the second consecutive day is a concern
Payne and Wagner are two of the most experienced veterans on Washington’s front seven, the former a longtime holdover from previous eras and the latter a key addition last offseason. Wagner this season was named a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl alternate after compiling 132 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries during the regular season.
He is currently dealing with an ankle injury, while Payne has experienced issues with both his knee and finger. If it’s any solace, both players were listed on last week’s injury report as well before ultimately playing through the discomfort.
A number of other Commanders were listed as limited, including WRs Jamison Crowder and Olamide Zaccheaus, TE John Bates and LB Frankie Luvu. Luvu is another slightly eyebrow-raising concern, as he was a full participant on Wednesday before seeing less action on Thursday due to a shoulder injury.
That said, Washington should expect all of these players to be available for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game until stated otherwise. Against an explosive Philadelphia Eaglesoffense led by superstar RB Saquon Barkley, the Commanders will need all hands on deck.
