No Marshon Lattimore on Sunday for Commanders vs. Steelers.
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn met with the media for a final time Friday before Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and offered an update on newly acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Quinn unsurprisingly announced that Lattimore would not play in his first game since coming over from the New Orleans Saints.
Washington traded for Lattimore on Tuesday at the NFL trade deadline. He arrived in time for practice on Wednesday, but did not practice this week. Lattimore was on the field with teammates, giving instructions on technique to other corners, such as Benjamin St-Juste.
The Commanders knew Lattimore was dealing with a hamstring issue before trade as he missed the Saints’ Week 9 game last week. However, it doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue.
Washington could be taking it easy with Lattimore ahead of Sunday and hoping he’s ready for next Thursday’s NFC East showdown with the second-place Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have a more dangerous offense than the Steelers, especially at wide receiver with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
St-Juste, Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene will continue to be Washington’s top cornerbacks in Week 10. Emmanuel Forbes also remains in the mix.
The Commanders host the Steelers in Week 10 and there are three reasons for optimism heading into the matchup.
The Washington Commanders host the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT in Landover, Maryland. Northwest Stadium will be filled to the brim with fans, and while the vast majority will be donned in burgundy and gold, Steelers fans are known to travel well, and we’ll likely see plenty of Terrible Towels in the stands as well.
However, it might not be as much of a mix as it has been in previous years since the Commanders are playing so well this year. Jayden Daniels is regularly discussed as a top Rookie of the Year candidate, and there have even been whispers of MVP votes. Daniels’ skill players and his line are playing at the top of their game, the defense just got a lift, and special teams have been consistent all season.
There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic as a Commanders fan, but we’ve narrowed it down to three ahead of this week’s matchup against the Steelers.
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The Commanders swept the Giants, hold the top spot in the NFC East
The Commanders swept the Giants this year with their win last week. It’s the first time since 2021 that the Commanders have accomplished that task, and while the Giants are having a rough go of things, the Commanders can build off of that win.
They currently hold the top spot in the NFC East, with the 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles right behind them. They are second in the NFC and fourth in the entire NFL. It’s been a long time since that has happened, and the Commanders aren’t slowing down.
The Commanders’ sweep of the Giants gives them huge momentum, which should have them feeling confident and executing plays at a high level this week at home.
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
The defense just got a boost in a critical spot
The Commanders’ secondary has been the weakest link of the defense in 2024, and this week, that secondary got a massive boost with the acquisition of cornerback Marshawn Lattimore. He may not play this week for a variety of reasons, but knowing he is there should give the rest of the defense some confidence, especially if they can keep it together against Russell Wilson and the Steelers this week.
Lattimore played his entire career in New Orleans until this week. Now he will don new colors and be part of a team that’s actually winning games. And the Commanders’ secondary gets a solid veteran who can help them continue those winning ways, even if he doesn’t play on Sunday.
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Jayden Daniels gets better every week
It’s hard to ignore that Jayden Daniels continues to impress us every single week. Every week, we expect the rookie to make some “normal” rookie mistake that creates a challenge he has to overcome, and it never happens. Sure, he makes mistakes—everyone does—but he hasn’t made any crazy mistakes that cost his team a win.
Washington has the eighth-ranked passing offense and second-ranked run offense. The Steelers have the fourth-ranked run defense, and their passing defense is middle-of-the-pack. Because Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback, he needs to be extra aware of where TJ Watt is on the field because Watt can sniff out the ball like no one else and make whatever adjustment needs made to get there. Daniels’ saving grace will be his legs this week, not that he will run the ball often, but there will be plenty of times he has to move.
The Washington Commanders were on the practice field again Thursday for their second practice of the week in preparation for the Week 10 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Newly acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore didn’t practice again and appears to be trending toward not playing on Sunday. Lattimore has dealt with a hamstring issue for much of the season and missed the Saints’ Week 9 game.
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell has dealt with a knee injury all season. While he was limited on Wednesday, he did not practice Thursday. However, that’s been the trend in recent weeks and Ferrell usually plays. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. continues to work toward playing on Sunday.
Here is Washington’s complete injury report for Thursday:
Did not participate: CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), T Cornelius Lucas (ankle), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee)
Limited participants: DE Dorance Armstrong (shoulder), OLB Dante Fowler Jr. (groin), RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring), T Andrew Wylie (shoulder), K Austin Seibert (right hip), TE Colson Yankoff (hamstring)
Full participant: CB Noah Igbinoghene (thumb), C Tyler Biadasz (thumb)
Here is Pittsburgh’s injury report for Thursday:
Did not participate: S Terrell Edmunds (illness), DT Cameron Heyward (NIR/rest), TE MyCole Pruitt
Limited participant: LB Nick Herbig (hamstring)
Full participant: QB Justin Fields (hamstring), WR Ben Skowronek (shoulder), LB Tyler Matakevich (hamstring), C Zach Frazier (ankle), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle)
Darren Rizzi had no part in the Marshon Lattimore trade, but the New Orleans Saints interim head coach does ‘stand by it’
Darren Rizzi may not have made the call to trade Marshon Lattimore, but that doesn’t mean he disapproves of the decision. This is unsurprising. An interim head coach wouldn’t get the power to make that decision on his second day.
That decision was all Mickey Loomis, Rizzi revealed on Wednesday: “I felt like that was Mickey’s call, he felt like that was a great decision, and certainly I stand by it.”
Rizzi has been around the NFL for a long time. He understands what a rebuild looks like, so he’s aware moves like this happen when you’re breaking the team down.
Lattimore has been a great piece, but there was enough reported tension between he and the Saints to have his future in New Orleans in question even if there wasn’t a pending rebuild.
Rizzi also added that he believes the compensation was fair in return. Lattimore garnered a larger return than Jalen Ramsey or L’Jarius Sneed. He did that with a growing injury history and dealing with a hamstring as we speak.
How are the Commanders proceeding with Marshon Lattimore’s injury?
Marshon Lattimore was considered a can’t-miss draft choice, being taken 11th overall by the Saints in 2017.
In addition, he has been a Pro-Bowler for four seasons; however, Lattimore only played seven games in 2022 and ten games in 2023 and has missed two of nine games this season.
Consequently, how did Lattimore’s injury affect an assessment by Adam Peters and Dan Quinn?
“He has a hamstring injury right now and just got in today. So, we’re just evaluating that.”
Peters then disclosed that before a deal was made, his medical team was permitted access to Lattimore’s injury history and records with the Saints.
“In terms of due diligence, when you’re doing a trade like this and there is a player that could be injured, our trainer will talk to their trainer, they’ll allow us to get the medical records and all that, so we understand the full picture, the full scope of the injury or just their injury history really.”
Apparently, there were no alarms scaring off the Commanders, as the deal was completed on Tuesday. So, when will Lattimore be on the field practicing and playing for the Burgundy and Gold?
“We got all that information and really (are) just taking it day-to-day and he won’t practice today, so you won’t see him out there today. But we’ll just take it day-by-day and put him out there when he is ready.”
Could Lattimore be making his debut with the Commanders in a Thursday Night divisional game in Philadelphia?
Marshon Lattimore speaks for the first time since trade to Washington.
The Commanders returned to the practice field on Wednesday, and a new face was in the locker room. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore met with reporters before Wednesday’s practice and spoke about Tuesday’s trade from New Orleans to Washington.
“I ‘m excited; it’s a new start for me,” Lattimore said Wednesday. “I’m just ready to go and see what’s in the future for me.”
What did Lattimore think about coming to Washington?
“It’s good. They got a good young quarterback. They got good things going on, well, we do, let me change how I’m talking. We got stuff going on, it’s a great situation for me to be in, so I’m excited for it.”
You can forgive Lattimore for calling the Commanders “they. ” After all, he spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career with the Saints, where he made four Pro Bowls and is recognized as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks.
But he will join a team with familiar faces, including three former college teammates. The most interesting part about the four Commanders is that they were all part of Ohio State’s 2014 recruiting class: Lattimore, wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, and defensive end Jalyn Holmes.
“We all from the same recruiting class, too, so that makes it bigger and better. So, I’m happy to be here, just waiting to play.”
Lattimore then praises McLaurin, who he’s known since they were both 18 and watched each other progress through the NFL.
Does Lattimore think the Commanders can win the Super Bowl?
“Most definitely,” he said.
Washington held Lattimore out of Wednesday’s practice as the training staff evaluates the hamstring injury that forced him to miss New Orleans’ Week 9 game. The Commanders host the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday.
Commanders’ players are all excited about the addition of Marshon Lattimore.
Washington general manager Adam Peters made a significant move on Tuesday, trading for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore. With the trade, Peters sent a message to his team that he believes the 7-2 Commanders can contend for the Super Bowl this season.
Lattimore met with the media on Wednesday and expressed excitement about playing for the Commanders and reuniting with some of his college teammates, including Terry McLaurin.
Washington players are also happy about the addition of Lattimore and what it means going forward. They understand Lattimore is an elite player in a position of need, and Peters paid the price to help the current playoff push.
On Wednesday, several players, including Jayden Daniels, Bobby Wagner and Noah Brown, reacted to Lattimore’s addition. McLaurin, Brown, and Jalyn Holmes were teammates with Lattimore at Ohio State.
Commanders WR Noah Brown knows Marshon Lattimore very well.
They were in the same Ohio St. recruiting class together.
On what Marshon adds, Noah said, “another fighter, a lock down corner. Someone that can take care of a whole side of a field. Takeaway someone’s number one.” pic.twitter.com/ax3VtQmuj4
Commanders DT Jalyn Holmes was in the same Ohio St. recruiting class with Marshon Lattimore.
On adding Lattimore, Jalyn said, “he plays with an edge. He’s a competitor. I feel like he’s one of the best corners out there.” pic.twitter.com/lKqgzaCxzU
Marshon Lattimore will wear a familiar number for Washington.
Marshon Lattimore has worn No. 23 since entering the NFL ahead of the 2017 season. Lattimore spent the first 7.5 seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints, where he was a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and a four-time Pro Bowler.
On Tuesday, the Saints traded Lattimore to the Washington Commanders. However, the Commanders already have someone wearing No. 23: second-year running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Rodriguez, who began this season on the practice squad, has been elevated to the 53-man roster three times and played a pivotal role in Sunday’s win over the Giants. Rodriguez ran for a team-high 52 yards and was on the field throughout the fourth quarter.
So, while Rodriguez has the number, he’s not stopping the newly acquired Pro Bowl cornerback from getting it. The Commanders announced that Lattimore will wear No. 23.
As for Rodriguez, he spoke to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post and explained why giving up the number was no big deal.
.@CROD_JR on giving Marshon Lattimore No. 23: “He’s a vet. I’m not about to sit here and tell him I need to freaking thousands of dollars for a number. I’ve only been here two years. … At the end of the day, I’m the same guy. Same me, just a different number.”
It’s easy to see why this team is so close. Everyone buys into head coach Dan Quinn’s team-first mindset. Rodriguez has proven that this season, which is evident in his decision to give up his number.
The first injury report of Week 10 is out for the Commanders and Steelers.
The Washington Commanders returned to the practice field Wednesday in preparation for their Week 10 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This matchup features a pair of division leaders with only two losses each.
The week’s first injury report is out, and the Steelers are healthy after having last week off. Washington is coming off a Week 9 win over the New York Giants and has yet to have its bye week.
The Commanders’ newest addition, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, was with his new team on Wednesday but was held out of practice as trainers evaluated his hamstring injury.
Here is Washington’s complete injury report for Wednesday:
Did not participate: TE Zach Ertz (NIR/rest), CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), K Austin Seibert (right hip), T Cornelius Lucas (ankle)
Limited participants: C Tyler Biadasz (thumb), DE Dorance Armstrong (shoulder), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee), OLB Dante Fowler Jr. (groin), RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring), T Andrew Wylie (shoulder)
This outlet says both the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Commanders won Tuesday’s Marshon Lattimore trade. Do you agree?
Any time a trade goes down in the NFL, someone walks away feeling like a winner. That’s true of every deal, so which team won the New Orleans Saints’ trade with the Washington Commanders that swapped Marshon Lattimore for a grab-bag of draft picks?
According to The 33rd Team, both teams won. Washington got a four-time cornerback and a fifth-round choice in next year’s draft. That was good enough to earn an “A” grade. New Orleans was graded with an “A-minus” for acquiring picks in rounds three, four, and six. That last pick is coming back to the Saints after they traded for defensive tackle John Ridgeway III earlier this year, so you could throw him in the deal along with the conditional seventh rounder New Orleans may or may not be getting with him.
Either way, that’s a strong return for a cornerback in today’s market. Comparable players like Jalen Ramsey and L’Jarius Sneed have been dealt for less. For the most part, Mickey Loomis and the Saints did good work here.
There’s just one more thing. Why is it an A-minus in straight of a straight-A? There are two points of criticism from the Saints’ side of this deal. For one thing, they shouldn’t have sent back a pick to Washington. Or it should have been a later-round choice. That alone tips the scales back into the Commanders’ favor. For another point of contention, the Saints received the less-valuable pick in the third round of Washington’s two selections. If current standings hold, the pick the Saints are getting will be slotted in 21 picks after the other one (which is going to the Commanders from the Miami Dolphins).
Maybe it was never on the table. Maybe Washington balked at including it in favor of throwing in those other picks later on. Either way it looks like a missed opportunity for Loomis and the Saints to get maximum value.
It’s behind us now, though. What matters is the decision-makers on both sides walked away from this trade happy with what they got. Now the Saints need to put those resources to good use in rebuilding their team after too many years spent propping up Loomis and Dennis Allen’s flawed vision.
