The Washington Commanders are heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with their playoff hopes still flickering - but they might have to chase that dream without one of their most reliable leaders on defense.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner, the ironman of NFL defenses, is listed as questionable after suffering a knee injury in last week’s overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. That’s not just a routine injury report - Wagner hasn’t missed a game since Week 2 of the 2018 season.
That’s 125 straight regular-season starts, during which he’s logged a league-high 8,488 defensive snaps. That’s not just durability - that’s legendary.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who knows a thing or two about elite defenders, spoke highly of Wagner’s toughness and preparation.
“Coming back from an injury, there’s literally nobody tougher,” Quinn said. “He just wills himself into that.
A lot of it is just discipline, how hard he works at things. … He’s definitely built differently, so I’m encouraged for him.”
Wagner’s reputation is built on more than just showing up - he’s produced at a Hall of Fame level for 14 seasons. With 1,953 tackles, 37 sacks, 15 interceptions, and seven forced fumbles to his name, he’s been the heartbeat of every defense he’s anchored.
He’s a 10-time Pro Bowler and a six-time First Team All-Pro - accolades that don’t just happen by accident. He’s been elite for over a decade, and even now, he’s still playing at a high level.
If Wagner is able to suit up on Sunday, he’ll likely be licking his chops at the opportunity in front of him. The Vikings’ quarterback situation has been one of the most unstable in the league this season.
J.J. McCarthy has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to start, but his rookie campaign has been rocky.
The Commanders’ defense, especially with a field general like Wagner in the middle, could look to capitalize on that inexperience and create some chaos.
For Washington, this is a must-win game. Every snap, every possession, every defensive stand matters from here on out. And if Bobby Wagner is on the field, you can bet he’ll be doing everything in his power to keep the Commanders’ season alive - just like he’s done every week for the past seven years.