It’s getting to the point in the season where injuries mount. The Washington Commanders, who just came off a bye week, saw two key starters leave Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints due to concussions.
Starting tight end Zach Ertz left during the second quarter and was quickly ruled out. Ertz’s head hit the ground hard after a catch inside New Orleans’s five-yard line.
Safety Jeremy Chinn left the game in the second half and did not return. On Monday, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Ertz and Chinn were in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Running back Austin Ekeler is currently on injured reserve after suffering his second concussion this season in Week 12.
On Wednesday, the Commanders returned to practice in preparation for a Week 16 rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles won the first meeting in Week 11, 26-18.
In some good news, Chinn was on the practice field for the Commanders. While he was limited, seeing him back on the field so soon after the concussion was surprising. While Chinn is not yet cleared, his status will be worth watching over the next two days.
Jeremy Chinn is out here. Wow. Didn’t expect that.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 18, 2024
Ertz did not practice, which is customary for him on Wednesday, as it has been a rest day for the 12-year veteran.
Chinn has been an integral part of the Commanders’ defense, which has significantly improved from last season.