When Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen suffered a pectoral injury in Washington’s Week 6 loss at Baltimore, almost everyone believed it would be season-ending.
Allen underwent surgery, and things were quiet regarding his status.
On Friday, ahead of the Commanders’ Week 15 game at New Orleans, John Keim of ESPN reported there’s a chance that Allen could return before the conclusion of the 2024 season.
From Keim’s report:
Allen suffered the injury in a Week 6 loss at Baltimore, but during surgery doctors discovered that his muscle was only partially torn, sparking the initial hope for a late-season return. Further checkups have at least helped him maintain the belief that a return is possible, sources said.
Since being sidelined, the Commanders have used rookie Johnny Newton, Phidarian Mathis and Sheldon Day in Allen’s place alongside Daron Payne. Allen’s potential return would be a big boost for a defense that has struggled to stop the run in 2024.
Washington will have cornerback Marshon Lattimore on the field for the first time Sunday since acquiring him via trade last month.
Allen, 29, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection with 41 career sacks. As Keim noted, there’s no guarantee of a return this season, but Allen is working toward a potential return.