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The Washington Commanders received some potentially devasting injury news in the second quarter of their Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns.
Pro Bowl defensive tackle — and team captain — Jonathan Allen was engaged with a Cleveland offensive lineman when he suddenly pulled away, limping after the play.
The Commanders got the ball back on offense and held it for the remainder of the half before scoring and taking a 7-3 lead into halftime.
On the sideline, Allen was seen sitting on the bench with his defensive line teammates, which seemed like an encouraging sign, and the Commanders ruled him as questionable to return at that point.
However, at halftime, Allen was downgraded to out for the remainder of the game with a knee injury.
Jon Allen has been downgraded to out https://t.co/8WCPWCxstN
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 1, 2023
This is devasting news for the Commanders. Obviously, the severity of the injury isn’t known at this point, but Allen is Washington’s best defensive player and the heart of the team.
The Commanders will likely use a combination of John Ridgeway, Efe Obada and David Bada in Allen’s absence for the remainder of the game.