The Commanders got one bit of encouraging news Thursday in a practice report that was otherwise heavy on absences: defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw was back on the field in a limited role.
That matters for Washington, because Kinlaw has opened the season well and is now dealing with back and shoulder issues, according to the team’s participation report.
But the injury list still has plenty of weight to it. Linebacker Frankie Luvu, tight end Chig Okonkwo, right guard Sam Cosmi, safety Nick Cross and quarterback Jayden Daniels all missed practice.
Daniels, who is dealing with a dislocated left elbow, has already been ruled out for this week, and Cross has also been ruled out for Sunday after being listed with an illness. The report also notes that Cross was hospitalized for internal injuries in Dallas after the game.
Washington’s depth is going to get a real workout against Seattle if those players can’t get back in time. The Commanders are already navigating multiple injuries in the front seven and beyond, and that showed up again in Thursday’s report.
There were six players limited in practice, including a pair of important defensive pieces. Leo Chenal and Charles Omenihu both showed up on the limited list, with Chenal dealing with a new chest injury and Omenihu still limited as he works through an ankle issue.
Dorance Armstrong, who returned from an ACL injury last week, was also limited. So was Percy Butler, who has a new groin injury, along with Jaylin Lane, who has been dealing with a groin issue since last week.
On the positive side, Brandon Coleman was a full participant after leaving the Cowboys game with a finger injury. Kaytron Allen was also full after being listed last week with ankle and knee injuries, though he’s now on the report with a hip injury. Kicker Drew Stevens was full as well despite a new hand injury.
In Other News...
Javon Kinlaw Suddenly Puts Washingtons Defensive Momentum In Doubt
Javon Kinlaw had begun to look like one of the early bright spots on Washingtons defensive front this season, flashing the kind of improvement the Commanders were hoping for when they brought him in on a three-year deal in 2025. His fit has mattered for a defense trying to build momentum, especially after a solid start to the year made the line feel deeper and more disruptive than it had at times before.
Now the picture is less certain after Kinlaw suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2 against Dallas. Dan Quinn said the veteran lineman is likely to be limited in practice, and his status for the next game is still up in the air, leaving Washington to wait on one of the players it had counted on to help stabilize the middle. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Face A Tough Home Opener Without Jayden Daniels
Marcus Mariota will get the call at quarterback for Washington in Sundays Week 3 home game against Seattle, giving the Commanders a very different look as they try to open the home slate without Jayden Daniels. Daniels remains sidelined with a dislocated left elbow, and with no set return timeline yet, the team is still waiting on more clarity after he consults specialists.
Dan Quinn has already made the move official, and it points to an offense built more around quick passes than the dual-threat approach Daniels brings when he is healthy. For Washington, the challenge is not just replacing a starter, but reshaping the entire rhythm of the attack at a point in the season when every early game already carries extra weight. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Face Growing Week 3 Concern Ahead Of Seahawks Game
The Commanders are heading into their Week 3 home game against the Seahawks with a running list of injury concerns, and the picture got a little murkier after several key players showed up on the practice report. Linebacker Frankie Luvu, tight end Chig Okonkwo, guard Sam Cosmi and safety Nick Cross are among the names dealing with injuries or illness, with the team trying to manage both availability and workload as the week moves along.
For Washington, the issue is not just who is on the field, but how many players can get enough practice time to be ready for Seattle. Several other Commanders are still working through various injuries and have been tagged as limited or full participants, leaving the team with more questions than answers as it tries to steady the lineup before Sunday. [Read more 🡒]