Jonathan Allen waited eight years to play on a good team. The veteran defensive tackle remains a key part of the Washington Commanders, which is 4-2 and leading the NFC East.
Unfortunately, Allen’s season is over. And with one year remaining on his contract, it’s fair to wonder about his future with his hometown team and the only NFL franchise he’s ever known.
Allen left Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter with a pec injury. He was quickly ruled out, but there was optimism afterward that he’d be back this season. On Monday, it was revealed that Allen’s pec was torn, and he would be out for the year. Allen will get a second opinion, but the odds are his season is done.
That’s a shame for Allen and for the Commanders. The 29-year-old two-time Pro Bowler had two sacks for Washington this season and played well in the Commanders’ wins over the Cardinals and Browns.
Allen has been a model employee for Washington through the worst of times. He has always stood up for his coaches and teammates, played hard, and produced regardless of what was happening around him. When the Commanders rebranded in 2022, the franchise rightly made him and wide receiver Terry McLaurin the focus—two good guys who’d been here through thick and thin.
Criticism has been aimed at Allen over the last two years, mainly because of his frustration last year. At one point, Allen questioned whether he wanted to remain with Washington. So, the social media world attacked Allen for his pre-game speeches and lack of production last season, forgetting everything he’s done for the franchise.
In the offseason, Allen was re-energized by the new regime.
Is he the same player as he was three years ago? Maybe, maybe not, but general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn did not want to trade him, and they essentially cleansed the roster in the offseason. I bet if you ask Quinn and Peters privately what they think of Allen, it would be different than what some think on social media.
Then, there’s the football impact. Sure, Washington’s defense is struggling right now. Up until Sunday, there had been signs of improvement. The Commanders’ weaknesses at cornerback are a significant problem.
Regardless of what the stats tell you, Washington will miss Allen. He remains a good player and a respected leader.
The good news is that the Commanders used a second-round pick on Johnny Newton in the 2024 NFL draft. Newton’s snaps have increased in recent weeks, and he now appears poised for a significant role alongside Daron Payne and Phidarian Mathis moving forward.
It was a tough day for the Commanders in what has been a fun year, especially since the NFL season began last month.
We wish Allen the best and hope he has a speedy recovery.