Tag: Johnny Newton

Positive injury update on Commanders DT Jonathan Allen

The Commanders could get Jonathan Allen back before the end of the season.

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.

 

Ben Roethlisberger’s live reaction to Week 10’s game-ending penalty

Steelers’ legendary QB Ben Roethlisberger shared his excitement over the game-winning neutral zone infraction in Week 10 against Washington.

You can take Big Ben out of Pittsburgh, but you can never take Pittsburgh out of Big Ben.

Steelers’ legendary QB Ben Roethlisberger had his eyes glued to the team’s Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders, even sharing his live reaction to Russell Wilson’s hard count that resulted in a game-winning neutral zone infraction penalty.

With 1:02 left in the game, Pittsburgh led 28-27 but faced a critical fourth-and-one situation. A turnover could have sealed their fate, but Wilson capitalized on the moment with an impressive hard count and cadence. The move drew Commanders’ DT Johnny Newton into the neutral zone, giving the Steelers a first down and sealing the win.

Roethlisberger had an incredible and hilarious reaction to what unfolded on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger.

Big Ben jumping out of his seat with excitement is exactly how most Steelers fans, including myself, reacted to the ending of the contest. Truly, Newton only had one job to do, but no one in the Steel City is complaining about his lack of composure to end the game if favor of the Black and Gold.

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Russell Wilson’s dance after win goes viral

Russell Wilson celebrates on the field and everyone loves that type of energy.

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a first down last in Sunday’s game to seal the win over the Washington Commanders. The team was facing a fourth and one at midfield and the Steelers trotted out there to get it.

But the way the Steelers got the first down and finished the game was not by running a play. Instead, the team rushed to the line of scrimmage like they were prepared to sneak it and then using a hard count, quarterback Russell Wilson drew rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton offsides.

As great as the play was, it was the celebration dance by Wilson that is going viral on the internet.

 

Wilson has proven to be the perfect quarterback for the Steelers. He’s given this group a level of play this team has missed since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger and Sunday’s win put the entire NFL on notice that this isn’t a team to be taken lightly anymore.

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Dan Quinn’s ‘brotherhood’ on display after tough Commanders’ loss to Steelers

Commanders stick up for their young teammate.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has had many messages for his team this season. One shines above all: This team is a brotherhood.

Since becoming Washington’s coach, Quinn has discussed that brotherhood several times, including multiple times in the regular season. Quinn explains how close-knit this team is, which reflects him and his coaching staff.

On Sunday, that brotherhood was put to the test. Washington lost a close 28-27 game to the Pittsburgh Steelers, snapping its three-game winning streak. The Commanders made multiple mistakes throughout the game, preventing them from putting the Steelers away, and Pittsburgh made them pay.

But Washington had one more potential chance to win the game. With three timeouts remaining and the Steelers with the ball close to midfield, the Commanders needed three stops. Quarterback Jayden Daniels would have close to one minute remaining to drive the field and put his team in position to kick a game-winning field goal. Anything’s possible, which we learned two weeks ago with the Hail Mary.

Things were going as planned, as Washington made three straight stops. Pittsburgh came onto the field with a fourth-and-1, presumably to attempt to draw the Commanders offside. It worked. The culprit: Rookie defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton.

That allowed the Steelers to kneel on the ball and run out the clock.

Newton was dejected. But in the locker room after the game, teammates had his back.

“Yeah, it’s not, it’s not all on him,” Daniels said of Newton. “That’s what everybody’s gonna see, just that one big play. But it’s not all on him, and we’re all together. No matter what people outside the building are saying, are thinking, man, it doesn’t matter. What matters is what’s in the building and how we love each other, how we support each other. We have each other’s backs.”

The rookie quarterback continues to prove he’s wise beyond his years.

Head coach Dan Quinn echoed a similar message.

“We have so much belief and love for this guy and so it was a hard mistake,” Quinn said. “It was one to learn from, and as it goes, those are hard ones. Like I said, there’s other plays in the game that come up, that one just happened to showcase it more at the end, and for sure this is the type of player that is hurting from it and you’re gonna learn from it.”

Others, such as Austin Ekeler, also spoke on behalf of their young teammate.

Everyone’s message was clear: The loss isn’t on Newton, and everyone has his back and is ready to turn the page.

 

Jonathan Allen’s injury is sad news for him and the Commanders

Allen’s loss is sad news for him — and for the Commanders.

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.

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen ruled out vs. Ravens

Commanders lose Jonathan Allen.

The Washington Commanders lost one of their top defensive players during Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Eight-year defensive tackle Jonathan Allen departed the game with a pectoral injury and was ruled out.

It’s unknown when Allen suffered the injury, but with him being ruled out, it sounds like it could be a long-term injury.

The Commanders have struggled to stop Baltimore’s top-ranked offense, but much of the damage has come with open receivers in the secondary. Earlier in the game, Washington also lost starting defensive end Dorance Armstrong with a rib injury. Armstrong was listed as questionable to return but looked in pain on the sidelines and did not return to the game.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Allen is a big loss for Washington but means even more playing time for second-round rookie Johnny Newton. Newton’s snaps have gradually increased over the last few weeks, and he could be moving into a more significant role moving forward.

Commanders’ final injury report for Week 1

The final injury for Week 1. Mariota is out for Sunday.

The Washington Commanders wrapped up preparations for their Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday, and they could be without two players.

Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota didn’t practice for the second consecutive day with a pec injury. Mariota was limited on Wednesday and missed practice on Thursday and Friday.

So, I would say he strained a pec, his chest, and so I would say right now he’s unlikely,” head coach Dan Quinn said Friday.

Also, rookie defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton missed his second consecutive practice. Quinn offered the following on Newton’s potential availability.

“We’re not gonna rule him out, we’re gonna take him into Sunday,” he said. “And in doing that, we’re working through the D-Tackle. But it was good to get him some team reps today and feel into that. So, haven’t ruled him out, but we’re still gonna work him on Sunday as well.”

Mariota is ruled out for Sunday, and Newton is doubtful. Everyone else is set to play.

Here’s the final injury report for Week 1:

Did not participate: QB Marcus Mariota (chest)

Limited participants: DT Jer’Zhan Newton (foot)

Full participants: DT Daron Payne (back), OT Trent Scott (knee), OT Brandon Coleman (shoulder), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee), OLB Dante Fowler Jr. (knee)

What’s going on with Commanders rookie DT Johnny Newton?

What’s going on with Johnny Newton?

Washington Commanders rookie defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton has yet to make his NFL debut. There was some excitement last month when the Commanders activated Newton from the NFI (non-football injury) list before the first training camp practice.

Newton has participated in practice but has yet to suit up for one of Washington’s two preseason games. Most assumed it was due to the foot injury he most recently had surgery on.

It’s not. According to head coach Dan Quinn, the No. 36 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft is dealing with a different injury.

“So, he has a, dealing with like a soft tissue injury on his foot, not related to his surgery,” Quinn said. “And so he’s off to the side doing work, and we’re fortunate that the, I’m going to call it a preseason bye [week] is here because we’re going to try to ramp him up towards the end of this week and hopefully into the practice for next week. So, he’s hit all the marks that we’re wanting him to, but we’re just trying to make sure there are no setbacks. He worked so hard, so I want to make sure like we just don’t miss one thing of it.”

That’s encouraging because Washington has a plan for Newton. The Commanders do not need Newton for Week 1. Sure, they hope he’s back, but they can afford to take their time with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne in the starting lineup.

Should there be concern with Newton? Since arriving in April, he has yet to be fully healthy. Washington fans are accustomed to draft picks coming to town, being told they would be fine, and missing either part or all of the rookie season. That may not be the case with Newton, but it’s fair to have some level of concern.

The goal for Newton remains the same: Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As of now, that’s still in play.

Three Commanders rookies working through injuries

Injury updates on three Washington rookies.

Brandon Coleman, Jordan Magee and Johnny Newton are three Commanders draft choices currently dealing with injuries.

Magee, drafted 139th overall in the fifth round out of Temple, had moved well in training camp before suffering an injured meniscus against the Jets in the first preseason game.

Head coach Dan Quinn said during Monday’s press conference that Magee’s knee required a procedure. The procedure has already been performed, and Magee will subsequently be out for a while. However, Quinn quickly clarified that Magee’s meniscus injury is not season-ending.

Newton surprised everyone when he was still available for the Commanders at No. 36 overall. Though they already had defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, Adam Peters felt Newton should not be passed up, so they grabbed him.

Newton, however, required foot surgery soon afterward to repair a Jones fracture. The surgery was said to be successful, and Newton has returned to individual workouts.

Coleman, an offensive tackle from TCU, was selected in round three (67th overall). Coleman pleased coaches in training camp until Quinn last week said he suffered a “strain in his shoulder and his pec.”

Monday, regarding both Newton and Coleman, Quinn said, “So far, you are going to see those guys work individual. It would have to be towards the end of the week if they would get any team reps.”

“Brandon’s a little bit further along than Johnny, but not by tons. Both of them I see on the way up. As far as getting them to the game, I’ll have a better sense for that as we get to the end of the week. You’ll see Brandon this week really ramping up the contact and that kind of stuff.”

“You will see more running with Johnny. So, those are two guys that are on the arrow up, but I don’t have an official game timeline for them yet.”

“There’s next week’s practices (following game vs Patriots), and the following week. I think I’ll have a better assessment once I go through a few days with him (Coleman) this week and see if we have a realistic shot for him to play Sunday night or not. He is certainly trending in that way. We’re just going to use all the caution we can with him and Johnny to make sure there’s no setbacks.”

Commanders Johnny Newton says Jonathan Allen is ‘like a big brother’ to him

Jonathan Allen has been helping Johnny Newton.

Johnny Newton is back on the field.

The rookie defensive tackle drafted 36th overall by the Commanders met with the media Tuesday, expressing he is happy to be active again, following his foot surgery this Spring.

“They’ve been giving me great support—everybody in the locker room, everybody in the building, really. So, just to get out there and compete, it felt really good to get off.”

Choosing to have the surgery right away, Newton said he really didn’t have a long-term goal. Rather, he just tried to do the right recovery things day by day.

Newton was surprised when the X-rays revealed the problem, seeing he insists he never had discomfort in that foot. Having been through this already with one foot, he felt like he knew what to expect in the rehab, so he just got to it.

“Great training staff in there, great coaching staff. Everybody always came to check on me, definitely right after I had surgery. So it was comfortable for me and I knew what my goal was and what I had to do to get back, so I just did exactly that.”

Being drafted to a team that starts Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne at your position might bother many rookies, but not Newton.

“I’ve been watching them for years now. Back when they were in college at Alabama I used to watch them, but actually getting to know them, great people outside of the football field. They’re honestly like big brothers. Whenever I mess up with something, they’ll tell me. Just the smallest things on the field, they always help me out, always encouraging me.”

When asked how long it would take the former Illinois tackle to regain his quickness, Newton responded, “Rome wasn’t built overnight, so I’m not expecting to get back to 100 percent on the first day of practice. I’m just getting my feet. Honestly, this is my first NFL practice, getting up to speed, and hopefully, eventually, for sure soon, I’ll be back to 100 percent and back to my old self.”

Newton didn’t like missing minicamp but is thankful for the support he received. He expressed it was hard on him to miss, but “everybody in the building was always encouraging me.

“Jon’s my locker mate, so always talking to Jon, he’s like, ‘Bro, you’re going to be alright.’ He is like, ‘I can’t wait for you to get on the field.’ And just hearing that from Jon was great encouragement to me because I look up to Jon. He is like a big brother to me.. and, DQ (Dan Quinn), AP (Adam Peters) always came to check up on me, and that meant the most to me. So, I knew what I had to do, and that always gave me an extra boost.”