Category: Latest Washington News

Commanders RB Brian Robinson injury news ahead of Week 13

How healthy is Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Titans?

The Washington Commanders placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve Saturday. That means Ekeler will miss at least the next four games and is eligible to return in Week 17. So, what about fellow Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr?

Robinson has battled injuries all season. In his second game back against the Cowboys last week, he exited after his first carry. Washington’s leading rusher missed three games earlier this season with knee and hamstring injuries. While those injuries appear behind him, he added a new one against the Cowboys.

Robinson twisted his ankle under the weight of a Dallas player. It didn’t look good, but somehow, Robinson quickly returned. However, after a few more carries, he exited again, this time for good.

Robinson was fortunate the injury isn’t more severe, but it did have him limited in practice last week. Fortunately, though, Robinson was removed from the injury report after participating fully in Friday’s practice.

While Robinson will play, how much can Washington count on him? Jeremy McNichols has been excellent in relief this season. Chris Rogriguez Jr. is also back after being released and re-signed. Rodriguez was critical in the Commanders’ Week 9 win over the Giants.

Tennessee has one of the NFL’s best defenses. Running against the Titans will be difficult. Obviously, a healthy Robinson gives Washington the best chance.

Larry Brown named Commanders’ Legend of the Game for Week 13

A true Washington legend.

This week, the Commanders have a real legend of the game.

Sunday’s home game at Northwest Stadium will see former Washington Redskins running back Larry Brown honored as the legend of the game.

Brown was drafted 191 overall in the 1969 NFL draft by the Redskins. He had been primarily a fullback at Kansas State, so his running ability was not widely known. Brown had been a blocker and running only in short-yard situations, so not even Brown himself knew what would transpire when he became Washington’s starting halfback in his rookie season.

Head coach Vince Lombardi noticed Brown was always a step slow at the snap of the ball and ordered a hearing test. Sure enough, he was impaired in one ear, so Lombardi, with the NFL’s approval, had a hearing aid inserted into Brown’s helmet.

Brown flourished immediately, starting 13 of his 14 games in the 1969 season and gaining 888 yards on his 202 carries (4.4 YPC). It was in his second season that everyone in the NFL realized that Larry Brown was not only a starting halfback but also one of the most aggressive running backs in the league.

Brown led the NFL in 1970, averaging 86.5 rushing yards a game and also gaining 1,125 rushing yards. As a result, he was voted NFL All-Pro First Team.

A daring, slashing runner, Brown rushed for over 5,000 yards in his first five seasons in the NFL (the NFL played 14-game seasons from 1961 to 1978). At the peak of his career, Brown led the NFL in 1972, averaging 101.3 rushing yards per game and gaining 1,216 yards in 12 games. He also led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage that season with 1,689 yards.

He was rested the last two games as the Redskins had already clinched their division with an 11-1 record. As a result, Brown was voted the Associated Press MVP for the 1972 season.

However, Brown began suffering debilitating knee injuries that slowed him down in 1974-76. He barely played his final season, not starting any games, and was battered and beaten down. He only carried the ball 20 times in his last season, retiring after the 1976 season.

He officially was a Redskin for eight seasons, gaining 5,875 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns. Brown was also a very adept receiver out of the backfield, on the receiving end of 238 receptions for 2,485 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns.

How good was Larry Brown? No Washington player has yet to wear No. 43 since Brown retired from the NFL.

The Commanders have been naming former players as “legends” of the home games this 2024 season. Last week, they came under understandable scrutiny when they named Robert Griffin III the legend of the game, though Griffin only had one successful NFL season.

There will be no scrutiny this week. Larry Brown was a stud, a workhorse. Larry Brown is a true Washington Redskins “legend.”

Former Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes seemingly reacts to release

How did Emmanuel Forbes react to the Commanders releasing him?

The Washington Commanders sent out a press release on Saturday afternoon at precisely 4:00 p.m. ET, revealing a few roster moves. This is no big deal, as it is customary for Washington to announce roster moves every Saturday, such as practice squad elevations for the following day’s game. However, this was different, as the Commanders announced the release of 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes. 

But before Washington revealed the news of Forbes’ release, he posted a message on his personal X account, seemingly referencing his pending release.

Here’s Forbes’ X post:

Forbes posted several verses from the Book of Job in the King James Bible, which you can read here. Forbes posted the message at 1:13 — over two hours before the team announced the move.

The No. 16 overall pick in last year’s draft finishes his Washington career appearing in 20 games with seven starts, and 45 tackles, including two for loss, 12 passes defended, and two interceptions.

Forbes is subject to waivers, and if another NFL team claims him, they take on the remainder of his rookie contract, which includes a fifth-year option.

Social media reacts to Commanders releasing Emmanuel Forbes

The top reactions to Washington releasing Emmanuel Forbes.

Former Washington coach Ron Rivera was in the news again on Saturday. And, no, it was not for positive reasons. One day before the Commanders host the Tennessee Titans in Week 13 action, they released 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes.

Forbes’ release means all the first-round picks Rivera made in his four years as coach/GM are no longer on the roster. This unprecedented level of futility exemplifies the state of the roster that new GM Adam Peters inherited in January.

Chase Young (2020) was traded, Jamin Davis (released in October), Jahan Dotson (traded in August), and Forbes are all gone.

Washington fans have vented about Rivera for years. The rage has become louder since Peters and Dan Quinn took over and had to flip over 50% of Rivera’s roster.

On Saturday, we took to X—formerly Twitter—to react to Forbes’ release.

 

 

 

Commanders release CB Emmanuel Forbes

Emmanuel Forbes is gone.

As expected,, the Commanders have made a couple of roster moves, two of which involve big names.

The Commanders released cornerback Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, determining to cut the cord now and move on from him despite his being a first-round draft selection just one year ago.

The Commanders have given Forbes every chance they can. But he simply hasn’t made any impact whatsoever. He doesn’t even contribute on special teams. So, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have decided to do what they feel is best for the team and the overall roster.

Secondly, the Commanders placed RB Austin Ekeler on injured reserve. Suffering his second concussion this season, the Commanders apparently feel they should give Ekeler at least the four weeks with no contact and then see if he is ready to proceed further.

Thirdly, after K Austin Seibert was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week, the Commanders elevated K Zane Gonzalez from the practice squad. The move was expected, as Gonzalez has performed well this season.

Finally, with Forbes released, the Commanders elevated DT Carl Davis off the practice squad.

It is amazing to think that just one year ago, Ron Rivera was filmed driving on his way to the Ashburn team facility. On the video, Rivera is seen and heard proclaiming he wants to draft Forbes that night.

When it was time for the 16th selection, Rivera and the Commanders chose Forbes to be their guy. He struggled all of 2023. This season, the Commanders wanted to have Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste starting as outside corners, but that never developed for the team.

On Friday, the Commanders declared CB Marshon Lattimore doubtful for Sunday vs. Tennessee. Lattimore came to Washington in a trade with the New Orleans Saints. He has missed all three of his games since the trade. In addition, the Commanders have lost all three of those games to the Steelers, Eagles, and Cowboys, respectively.

On Friday, the Commanders distinguished between RT Andrew Wylie and RB Austin Ekeler, who are both recovering from concussions, and ruled them out of Sunday’s game against the Titans.

What does Dan Quinn think about Daron Payne’s play in 2024?

Is Dan Quinn concerned about Daron Payne?

During his weekly Friday press conference, head coach Dan Quinn was asked a question about Daron Payne.

The Commanders are 7-5 and on a three-game losing streak. They are facing the Tennessee Titans (3-8), who are coming off an upset road win at the Houston Texans last week.

So, why was Payne signaled out as the subject of one of Quinn’s questions?

The reason is that Payne’s play has raised concerns. Is Payne injured? Why is Payne such a non-factor in numerous games? Is Payne being doubled repeatedly, forcing other defenders to make plays?

“Yeah, it’s probably a better one for later. I don’t, just from the comparison side, we’re just working as hard as we can to get him as good as we can,” replied Quinn.

Quinn interestingly responded further by mentioning Titans standout defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons. “Going against Jeffrey [Simmons] and seeing him playing this week, you see, you’re watching that guy for that week.”

Translation: Simmons is causing us to focus so much on him in every film session and each practice this week. He is one of the better defensive tackles in the league.

As for Payne? In his defense, perhaps since the season-ending injury to Jonathan Allen, Payne is getting doubled more often than usual. Payne has started and played in all 12 games this season, totaling 30 tackles, including 2.5 QB sacks. However, he only has two tackles for a loss and 4 QB hits.

By contrast, Allen only played in six games yet had two QB sacks, two tackles for a loss, and six QB hits. Rookie Johnny Newton also has 30 tackles, with two tackles for a loss and six QB hits.

It does raise questions. But Quinn chose not to take the bait.

“But as we’re going through it, we’re just trying, man, to dig in and say, ‘Where can we improve?’ And that’s not just for Daron but for all the guys. So, probably a better for end of the season kind of comment, honestly.”

Yet, when there was a follow up question regarding Payne’s play this season, Quinn did choose to reply positively.

“I think the square at the line of scrimmage when it’s combination blocks; I think that’s where he plays with very good strength, and those are some things. So, he’s stout at the line. That’s what I’ve seen the most from him.”

Dan Quinn makes it clear what he thinks about Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in cold weather

Dan Quinn is not worried about cold weather and Jayden Daniels.

Winter is setting in the DMV area, and Dan Quinn was asked about it Friday.

One of the media members asked about quarterback Jayden Daniels’s reaction to the cold weather. Here is the video of this portion of Quinn’s press conference.

Indeed, the prediction for Sunday is the high temperature will be 44, with a morning low of 24. This means when the players are warming up on the field around 11:30, it will be about 40 degrees, with the high temperature coming around halftime.

“We’ve been out in practice all week and so, looking at similar practice, so that’s for him and for all his teammates. We’re an outdoor team, and this is where we play, man,” replied Quinn.

Quinn wasn’t upset, but he certainly didn’t like the question. This was revealed when he elaborated a bit further.

“So, we practice outside for a reason. We only had one practice inside since training camp. And so, it didn’t have to go in there at all, didn’t have to go outside. We had one last Friday that we had to, but by and large we’re going to practice outside as often as we can and he’s done a good job with that.”

Quinn was then asked a surprising question if Daniels playing in warm weather had come up during the draft process. His response?  A simple, single word, “No.”

The follow-up came immediately, asking, “Is that something you think about with a team in general? You practice outside, was there anything else you can do to prepare?”

Shaking his head side to side, Quinn replied, “No.”

To me, the most telling element of the exchange is how Quinn immediately turned his head to the other side of the room, his body language suggesting, ‘Next question, and about something else.’

Wouldn’t you know it? The next question asked what winter element gives quarterbacks trouble when playing in the cold.

“Wind for sure, yeah. Because that, the gusts and that can go because there’s different kinds. Like if it’s snowing, it’s not as cold as some other days that you can get really cold, like the minuses and those things. But yeah, definitely wind’s the biggest one.”

For those wondering why weather was a focus during the Friday press conference, Jayden Daniels was born and raised in California. He played high school football at Cajon H.S. in San Bernardino, CA.

Daniels then played his first three college years at Arizona State before playing his last two seasons at Louisiana State University (LSU).

In Quinn’s defense, perhaps the subject of Daniels in warmer weather never came up prior to the draft because to he and Peters, if Daniels was available, they were hands down going to select Daniels.

Commanders pick interesting captain for Week 13 vs. Titans

A former top pick for the Titans will serve as one of the Commanders’ Week 13 captains.

The Washington Commanders name three new captains for each game. Instead of naming permanent captains before the season, head coach Dan Quinn took the weekly approach this season to reward his players.

Washington announces the captains for the next game each Friday, and Quinn opens his final press conference of the week by discussing those captions.

The Commanders’ captains for the Week 13 game against the Tennessee Titans are quarterback Marcus Mariota, defensive tackle Sheldon Day, and longtime punter Tress Way.

Way is a former Washington captain who is having another stellar season. Day is a nine-year NFL veteran who was signed to the practice squad in August and elevated to the 53-man roster in October. Since Jonathan Allen’s season-ending injury, Day has been integral to Washington’s defensive tackle rotation.

Finally, there is Mariota. The 10-year veteran has only appeared in two games this season but shined in relief of Jayden Daniels in the Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers. Mariota completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

Why was Mariota selected? Well, there’s no denying he’s a popular player in the locker room, respected by his teammates and has been an excellent mentor for Daniels. However, he’s also a former No. 2 overall pick for the Titans.

Mariota spent his first five NFL seasons playing for Tennessee, going 29-32 as the starting quarterback, completing 63% of his passes for 13,207 yards, 76 touchdowns, 44 interceptions and rushing for 1,399 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“So, offensively will be Marcus Mariota, defensively, it’ll be Sheldon Day and on teams, Tress Way,” Quinn said Friday. “And so, we love that part of Fridays and getting a chance to say a few words about the guys and everybody kinda gets fired up.”

Quinn didn’t say it, but it’s clear why the team picked Mariota. Mariota didn’t necessarily leave Tennessee on bad terms, this continues a trend where Washington picks players as captains facing their former teams.

Maybe this week, the Commanders can get Mariota some revenge against his former team.

Commanders’ injury news: Latest on Brian Robinson Jr, Austin Ekeler, Marshon Lattimore

Who is in for the Commanders on Sunday? Who is out? The final injury report for Week 13.

When the Washington Commanders face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, one of their top running backs will be in action. Washington released its final injury report on Friday, and Brian Robinson Jr. will play.

Unfortunately, Austin Ekeler, who suffered a concussion late in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, is out. That’s not surprising. It is Ekeler’s second concussion of the season, and he remains in concussion protocol. Also, right tackle Andrew Wyler will miss Sunday’s game. Like Ekeler, he is also in the NFL’s concussion protocol program.

Wylie was limited in practice this week, so there was some hope he could play. Trent Scott will likely start in his place.

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore was listed as doubtful for Sunday. Lattimore made his practice debut on Wednesday but was limited all three days. Head coach Dan Quinn discussed Lattimore’s progress on Friday.

“We’re pumped that he’s certainly closer, but we’re going to huddle up today and end of tomorrow to see where exactly we stand,” Quinn said. “We got a pretty strong process to go through and the player is a part of that too. So, we’re going to make all decisions, protect the team first, but man, is it good to have him back out there and get going.”

It still appears unlikely that Lattimore plays, but it certainly appears he’s headed toward making his Washington debut in Week 15 after Washington’s bye against his old team, the Saints, in New Orleans.

Here is Tennessee’s final injury report for Week 13.

Out: OT Leroy Watson IV (back), CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin)

Doubtful: None

Questionable: RB Tyjae Spears (concussion)

Commanders’ Joe Whitt is honest about playoff chances

Joe Whitt Jr. is focused on winning the next game only.

Experienced leadership is important in any organization.

So why would it be any different in the NFL? Less experienced players can learn from the knowledge of more experienced players. With the Commanders now losing their last three games, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt was asked about the older players counseling, the younger players through the losing streak.

“You know, not necessarily, just, when we were winning four games in a row, or now that we’ve lost three, it’s the same,” replied Whitt. “You lean on it and the thing that you have to do, and I know you’re going to say this is coach talk, but it’s the way that we live and the fact that you take a win and a loss the same way. You take four wins and four losses the same way. You have to just go back and figure out how you’re going to win the next game?”

When a team is declining in their performance, coaches have to work at assessing the performance and then determining how they are going to change some things to bring about progress.

Whitt then brought up the concept of improving as a defensive unit.

“What do you have to do to improve? There’s good in every loss, and there’s some bad in every win. And so, we have to make sure that we lean on the brotherhood that we have, win or lose and continue to know that everything is in our hands.”

In coaching, there are always things that are under your control and things where you do not have control. Recognizing the difference is always crucial to the success of the team. Washington is 7-5 and can still control their destiny, but another loss this Sunday would result in no longer having complete control and needing the help of other teams.

“We control what we control, and if we handle business, we’ll get the results that we want. If we don’t, all right, we’ll be at home. So, that’s just it.”